Leaving no one behind: lessons in inclusive urban transport from the cities of Hermosillo and Canelones 

The principle of “leaving no one behind” is central to the United Nations Agenda 2030, emphasizing equity and inclusion as prerequisites for sustainable development. On October 29^th, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hosted a thought-provoking City Talks session.  

The dialogue featured Antonio Astiazarán Gutiérrez, Municipal President of Hermosillo, Mexico, and Marcelo Metediera, Mayor of Canelones, Uruguay, who shared their experiences and strategies for fostering inclusive public transport systems in their respective cities. 

Moderated by Maria Alejandra Rico, Head of Programs at UCLG, the session explored the Mayors´ personal motivations to use public transport and leave no one behind. It addressed systemic inequalities, explored actionable solutions, and explored the transformative potential of public transport as a lever for change. 

Watch the session in Spanish – English and French will soon be available!

Personal motivations: what drives public service? 

“The world will not change if we do not change it locally,” said Mayor Astiazarán, reflecting on his political journey. Coming from a business-oriented family, he described himself as “the only crazy one” who chose public service, inspired by a lifelong commitment to addressing inequality. As Mayor of Hermosillo, he highlighted his satisfaction with the tangible impacts local government can achieve. Astiazarán ’s career has spanned municipal, state, and federal roles, reinforcing his belief that “local action is where transformative change begins.” 

For Mayor Metediera, entering politics was a natural progression from his early career in a transport cooperative. “Working closely with communities exposed me to the realities of social inequality and the importance of collective action”, he explained. His work in local government has been guided by a deep understanding of mobility as a fundamental human right. “Freedom begins with mobility”, he remarked, underscoring the power of transport to empower citizens. 

Recognizing inequalities: challenges in Hermosillo and Canelones 

Hermosillo: combating heat and distance 

Hermosillo, nicknamed “The City of the Sun”, faces unique challenges of extreme heat and horizontal urban expansion. Public transport users endure long commutes in temperatures exceeding 50°C, compounded by an insufficient fleet of 300 buses serving nearly a million residents. “This is not just about infrastructure but about dignity and quality of life”, Astiazarán stated. 

While public transport in Hermosillo falls under state jurisdiction, Astiazarán emphasized the role of municipal governments in improving public spaces such as bus stops, sidewalks, and pedestrian corridors. “These are the areas where we can directly impact the lives of our residents”, he explained. 

Canelones: rural-urban disparities 

Canelones, a diverse department in Uruguay, is often described as “a country within a country” due to its mix of rural, urban, and metropolitan zones. With 30 municipalities and 136 populated centers, residents face significant mobility challenges, especially those commuting to Montevideo for work or education. “Mobility is not one-size-fits-all; every community has unique needs”, Metediera remarked. 

He highlighted the critical role of public transport in connecting rural populations to central hubs, calling it “a beautiful challenge” to design systems that address these complex realities. 

Solutions in action: innovations in public transport 

Hermosillo’s approach: safety, sustainability, and inclusion 

• Solar-powered bus stops: Hermosillo has introduced solar-powered, air-conditioned bus stops to mitigate the effects of extreme heat. “We’re turning the city’s most abundant resource—the sun—into a solution”, Astiazarán noted. 

• Camina Segura (safe walk): this initiative enhances pedestrian safety through illuminated pathways, video surveillance, free Wi-Fi, and emergency alert systems. “In the 45 corridors we’ve improved, crime rates have dropped by 90%”, he shared. 

• Free electric transport for students: this program, which launched in January 2025, aims to reduce economic barriers for university students. “Education should not be hindered by mobility costs”, Astiazarán emphasized. 

Canelones’ strategy: accessibility and equity 

• Subsidized fares for vulnerable groups: free transport for students and retirees and subsidized fares for pregnant women ensure mobility for those most in need. “Public transport is a powerful tool for redistributing wealth”, Metediera explained. 

• Integrated rural connectivity: Canelones has prioritized routes that link rural areas with urban centers, providing essential access to services. “This is about ensuring freedom of movement for everyone”, he added. 

Both mayors stressed the importance of tailoring policies to local realities. “There is no universal recipe”, Metediera stated, emphasizing the need for adaptable, community-focused solutions. 

Measuring success: results and reflections 

The mayors provided compelling evidence of the impact of their policies: 

• In Hermosillo, the Camina Segura program has reduced emergency calls for crime by 90%, according to national security data. “Safety is not just about perception; it’s about creating real, measurable change”, Astiazarán remarked. 

• In Canelones, retirees have embraced subsidized transport as a life-changing initiative. “A retiree can travel across the department for less than a quarter of a dollar. This is freedom”, Metediera shared. 

Both leaders highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making and community feedback in evaluating their programs’ success. 

Aligning with the SDGs: a shared framework 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a unifying framework for both cities’ efforts: 

• Hermosillo aligns with SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 7 (clean energy), and SDG 11 (sustainable cities). Astiazarán  noted: “our solar initiatives demonstrate how local governments can lead on global issues.” 

• Canelones integrates SDG 10 (reduced inequalities) and SDG 13 (climate action). Metediera highlighted the transition to LED public lighting and efforts to explore wind energy as examples of “turning global goals into local actions.”

Closing reflections: innovation through collaboration 

The dialogue concluded with an emphasis on learning and collaboration: 

Antonio Astiazarán Gutiérrez

“Innovation must serve the people”, calling for a commitment to transformative local solutions. 

Marcelo Metediera

“The exchange of ideas is invaluable”, highlighting the role of shared experiences in driving progress. 

Through their leadership, Hermosillo and Canelones exemplify how local governments can transform public transport into a tool for social inclusion, proving that leaving no one behind is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality.