Yucatán’s Va y Ven: A Costly Transport System in Crisis

Mérida, Yucatán — The Va y Ven public transportation system, heavily promoted by former PAN-affiliated Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal as a symbol of "modernity," has proven to be a costly illusion, financially unsustainable and riddled with irregularities. Now, under scrutiny by a new administration, its true dimensions—debt, opacity, privilege, and mismanagement—are coming to light.

A System Built on Fragile Foundations

According to Jacinto Sosa Novelo, head of Yucatán’s Transport Agency (ATY), the Va y Ven system was inherited with severe operational and financial deficiencies. The program, initially touted as self-sustaining, is projected to generate a deficit of up to 1.86 billion pesos in 2025 alone.

The system’s design prioritized commercial and tourist zones over marginalized neighborhoods, leaving thousands of residents waiting for hours under the sun. One of the most egregious cases involves the contract with Grupo Nicxa for the Cetram Norte terminal, the most expensive in Latin America, with a 15-year lease costing 300 million pesos—approved without justification by the previous administration.

Corrective Measures Underway

Under Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena’s administration, a comprehensive audit of Va y Ven has been launched to address financial mismanagement and operational flaws. The goal is not to dismantle the system but to restructure it for public benefit.

On July 17, 2025, over 140 buses were abruptly withdrawn by concessionaires, disrupting service in Mérida, Kanasín, Valladolid, and Tizimín. This move confirmed the system’s fragility and reliance on poorly managed subsidies. However, the state government has since negotiated with operators to ensure 100% service during peak hours.

A Shift Toward Public Service

Carlos Bojórquez Urzaiz, a MORENA representative, emphasized that transportation should be a right, not a business. The current administration is redirecting resources to underserved areas, reviewing contracts, and integrating citizen input into route planning.

"The Va y Ven system will continue," Bojórquez stated, "but no longer as a showcase for private interests. Now, it will serve the people under the principles of the Fourth Transformation."

Looking Ahead

The Díaz Mena administration remains committed to transparency and equity, ensuring that Yucatán’s transportation system becomes dignified, safe, and just—free from the financial burdens and political favoritism of the past.

Key Points:

• 1.86 billion peso deficit projected for 2025.
• 300 million peso lease for Cetram Norte under investigation.
• 140 buses withdrawn, disrupting service in four municipalities.
• Audits underway to restructure contracts and subsidies.
• Peak-hour service guaranteed through government-concessionaire agreements.

The people of Yucatán deserve a transportation system that serves all citizens, not just the privileged few. Under new leadership, that vision is finally within reach.