The Harsh Times Facing Mexico City's Informal Subway Vendors Paul Imison - VICE News
go to original September 21, 2015

A sleepy Sunday afternoon at a subway station in the north of Mexico City is interrupted by battle cries as some thirty uniformed police rush toward the underground platforms.

The recent unannounced raid on informal subway workers is part of a law enforcement operation that vendors have come to nickname La Barredora, or "The Sweep."

Moments later, the cops return with bags and boxes full of confiscated goods, and half a dozen vendors are dragged away by agents of the capital's Financial and Industrial Police.

Life has rarely been so tough for Mexico City's thousands of vagoneros, or informal Metro vendors.

"It's either cough up 600 pesos [$35] or spend the night in jail," Kevin, a 26-year-old vendor, told VICE News during a busy afternoon's work. "If you're lucky, you might get to keep your merchandise."

Expertly weaving their way through the crowds on one of the world's busiest subways — about 4.5 million people use the system daily — the vagoneros are the men, women, and frequently also children who move up and down the trains selling candy, CDs, trinkets, and just about anything else you might be looking for on a daily commute.

For some, they're a part of Mexico City's vivid cultural kaleidoscope. For others, they're a nuisance to be endured.

Read the rest at VICE News

Photo: Annick Donkers

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