The first line would run from Ecatepec, northeast of Mexico City, to the Martín Carrera metro station in the north of the capital. The second would travel from Chalco, southeast of the capital, to the La Paz metro station, just on Mexico City´s outskirts. The mass transport project would benefit an estimated 230,000 people.

Much of the Mexico City metropolitan area´s urban sprawl is located in the State of Mexico, which borders the capital on three sides. The metro system, which transports an estimated 3.9 million passengers daily, is confined mostly to Mexico City proper.

The two new lines would be in addition to previously approved suburban trains, including one set to run from the congested area northwest of the capital to the Buenavista metro station.

Ebrard and Peña Nieto announced the plans after a private meeting last week.

Ebrard, who is set to take office on Dec. 5, said there were no plans to extend the metro into the State of Mexico.

He added, however, that his administration plans to build 10 more Metrobus lines criss-crossing the city. The Metrobus, a designated-lane bus system, currently operates on Insurgentes Avenue.

Ebrard and Peña Nieto also discussed security, water rights and environmental issues.