Since its inauguration in December 2023, Mexico’s Maya Train—touted as a transformative infrastructure project—has struggled to meet expectations. Designed to carry 8,200 passengers daily, the train has averaged only 2,474 riders per day. This shortfall has translated into staggering financial losses: the project currently absorbs approximately 361,000 pesos per passenger, and loses 7.1 million pesos every 24 hours.
By mid-2025, the train had transported just over 1.3 million passengers across 7,290 trips. Despite a 74% increase in ridership from 2024, the numbers remain far below projections. Operational costs have ballooned, with 5.8 billion pesos lost in the first half of 2025 alone. In 2024, the train generated only 275 million pesos in revenue, while spending 2.8 billion pesos on operations—covering less than 10% of its expenses.
Beyond economics, safety concerns have emerged. The Maya Train has derailed twice: first in March 2024 at Tixkokob station, and again in August 2025 near Izamal. Both incidents were attributed to switch failures, and while no injuries occurred, they raised alarms about rushed construction and insufficient operational testing.
Critics argue the train has become a financial burden rather than a regional catalyst. With freight services delayed until at least 2030, profitability remains elusive. Meanwhile, the government continues to defend the project, citing long-term development goals and tourism potential.
Despite its promise to connect five southeastern states and boost local economies, the Maya Train’s journey so far has been marked by derailments—both literal and fiscal. Whether it can recover and deliver on its ambitious vision remains an open question.
/Sources: El Pais / Politico MX
