How do the women-only metro carriages work?

The first one to three carriages of every metro train are reserved for women, children under 12, and senior citizens, marked with pink platform signage and a pink stripe on the carriage. The reservation applies 24/7 whenever the system is running. Platform marshals physically enforce the rule during rush hours; off-peak social pressure remains strong. The system was introduced after a 2008 INMUJERES survey found 9 in 10 women had experienced sexual harassment on CDMX transport, and has measurably reduced reported incidents. Lone female travellers should use the pink section without exception, especially after 20:00.

Is Mexico City Metro Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

By The Kakapo Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-05-28 · Part of the Mexico City Metro safety guide

Women-only and senior-only carriages

The system: the first one to three carriages of every metro train (and the front section of every Metrobús) are reserved for women, children under 12, and senior citizens. Marked with pink signage on the platform and a pink stripe on the carriage.
Hours: 24/7 — the reservation applies whenever the system is running (05:00-00:00 weekdays, 06:00-00:00 Saturday, 07:00-00:00 Sunday).
Enforcement: platform marshals (Policía Auxiliar) physically prevent men from entering the women-only section during rush hours. Off-peak enforcement is lighter but social pressure remains strong — men who board are routinely shouted down.
Why it exists: a 2008 INMUJERES survey found 9 in 10 women had experienced sexual harassment on Mexico City public transport. The women-only system was the policy response and it has measurably reduced reported groping incidents.
Lone-female-traveller advice: always use the women-only carriages, especially after 20:00 and especially on Line B, Line 2, and Line 9. The pink section is also where you will find other women travelling solo — useful for orientation questions.
Men travelling with female partners: you cannot enter the women-only section. Either both travel in the mixed carriages or split up and meet at the destination.

FAQ

How do the women-only metro carriages work?: The first one to three carriages of every metro train are reserved for women, children under 12, and senior citizens, marked with pink platform signage and a pink stripe on the carriage. The reservation applies 24/7 whenever the system is running. Platform marshals physically enforce the rule during rush hours; off-peak social pressure remains strong. The system was introduced after a 2008 INMUJERES survey found 9 in 10 women had experienced sexual harassment on CDMX transport, and has measurably reduced reported incidents. Lone female travellers should use the pink section without exception, especially after 20:00.

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Sources

Scores are the Kakapo Safety Index — compiled from government travel advisories and public crime, health and transit data. All data sources.