Mexico eyes first HSR route

Mexican officials have declared their intent to establish high speed rail spanning 130 miles between the nation's capital, Mexico City, and the city of Queretaro, to the northwest of the capital, in roughly two hours at top speeds of 186 mph.

Companies must bid on the rights to construct the train and will be required to follow certain rules and regulations, the Communications and Transportation Secretariat said. Bidding will be solicited beginning Aug. 15, 2014, and will be open to the international supplier community.

Work is expected to start this year on the high-speed rail line, with the system projected to start operating in December 2017, the secretariat said.

Reuters last month reported that both Bombardier Transportation and Siemens likely would bid on the HSR project.