Observations and things I have learnt

So I have been here a fair few weeks now, and there are some things that are just accepted as being Mexican, but that we might find pretty unusual. Here are some of the things I think I can help solve:

Traffic:

The driving here is appalling. 4 million accidents are registered here every year (millions more will go unregistered) and that is out of about 22 million cars, which are generally 15 years or younger.It is in the top ten countries for motoring accidents despite having a much smaller population than all of the other countries on the list. 
In an attempt to get rid of corruption the only people allowed to give out anything to do with traffic violations are the traffic police. This means you can basically do what you want in front of the normal police, and they don't give a monkeys. They can't get any money from it, and they like to drive as badly as the rest of the city it would seem. People jump red lights ALL the time and if there is a highway code here I am not sure anyone has read it. Roundabouts are hilarious. People don't treat them like a roundabout as we know it, more a large traffic island, that you can chose to go round anyway you want to. Reversing up a one way street is seen as ok...

The beginnings of a traffic jam...

My traffic solutions: 

• No member of Police can collect cash from a member of the public. Issue tickets by all means, but it all has to be paid in cash, cheque, over the phone or online to a central traffic violation collection agency. Therefore any member of the Police force can hand out tickets for the terrible driving, of which there are thousands of examples every minute. They would earn a fortune, and slowly the city would start to drive better. I am sure part of the problem with the traffic jams is actually people's ability (or lack thereof) to drive properly. 
• Each state should make drivers pass a test. This test would be the same throughout the country (NB people signing a piece of paper to say they can drive is not considered a test...)
• All Police in cars are sent on advanced driving courses and lead by example in terms of driving well.
• There should be cameras at all major traffic junctions so automated tickets could be issued by people who jump red lights.
• Roundabouts should be treated as such and are ONE WAY. Massive white arrows should be painted on them so the Mexicans know which way is the right way. 

Buses:

Buses are a great way to get around the city. They are more expensive than the metro system and are therefore seen as a better way to travel. Unfortunately the large clean buses only cover a few routes across the capital. Unlicensed presumably uninsured minibuses operate throughout the city. I could buy a bus tomorrow and start running my own bus route...scary aye?

My Bus Solution:

• All bus service providers have to run licensed, well maintained, fully insured vehicles on  routes that serve all of the city. The giving of these routes will be agreed by members of a bus committee (including members of the public) who are no open to bribery (not sure how this bit works yet) 
• Buses not to have people hanging out of the doors whilst travelling.
• Flat rates for fares.

Demonstrations:

People like to march all the time when they feel they are aggrieved.  I have seen on average 1 a week since I have been here. These range in numbers from around 80 - 1000. This makes for hellish traffic on Reforma and surrounding roads. 

My Demonstration Solutions:

I'm all for people having the right to march, even though I think 99% of the time it doesn't make a jot of difference. I also think the amount the Mexicans march devalues the symbolism of it. But they can march if it makes them feel better! However all demonstrations should be held between 10am - 4pm, to minimise the traffic chaos on the rest of the city.

Lunchtimes and hours:

Mexicans have a late lunch from 2pm to 4pm. As this is quite a long time after breakfast, they have their elevenses at 12 noon. It does mean they often leave later at night than we do.  They also subscribe to the ridiculous notion that if you are in the office for 12 hours then you are working the hardest...

My lunchtime solutions:

Don't go the way of the UK and force people to eat a sandwich at their desk in 15 minutes. However 2 hours for lunch every day if you aren't having a siesta (which you aren't as you live 30 miles away from where you work) is excessive. Particularly if you are stopping for 20 - 30 mins for your elevenses (at 12). Lunchtimes limited to 1 hour and people can go home at a reasonable hour. Performance is based on how well you do your job, not how long you are in the office...