YUCATAN, MEXICO — In an effort to boost ridership, the Maya Train has launched a promotional campaign offering free return tickets throughout November 2025. The initiative comes amid reports of lower-than-anticipated passenger demand, despite initial promises that the ambitious railway project would transform transportation across the Mexican Caribbean.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador had championed the Maya Train as a cornerstone of regional development, pledging it would revolutionize connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in southeastern Mexico. However, nearly a year after its inauguration, the project is facing challenges in meeting projected usage levels.
To attract more travelers, the Maya Train’s operating agency announced a “2-for-1” ticket promotion: passengers who purchase a one-way ticket during November will receive the return journey at no additional cost. The offer applies to all routes and is aimed at encouraging both domestic and international tourism to the region’s cultural and natural attractions.
Germán Redondo Suárez, head of Corporate and Commercial Strategy for the Maya Train, explained that the promotion is part of a broader strategy to increase passenger flow ahead of the peak holiday season. “We want more people to experience the Maya Train and discover the beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula,” he said.
Since its launch, the Maya Train has transported over 1.6 million passengers, but ridership has not consistently met expectations. Analysts point to factors such as limited route coverage, high ticket prices for locals, and logistical hurdles as contributing to the shortfall.
The November promotion is expected to provide a temporary boost in traffic and visibility. Whether it will translate into sustained growth remains to be seen as the government continues to refine its strategy for one of its flagship infrastructure projects.
Source: Playa Riviera
