Chetumal’s Public Transport Overhaul Begins Under New Plan

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa led the presentation of the Strategic Mobility Plan for Chetumal, marking the start of a historic transformation for the city’s public transportation system. The initiative aims to address long-standing deficiencies and modernize services to meet the needs of residents in the state capital.

A Step Toward Dignified and Inclusive Mobility

Rafael Hernández Kotasek, acting director general of the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute (IMOVEQROO), outlined the plan’s scope during an event attended by future users, business leaders, and local officials. He described the project as a milestone in Chetumal’s journey toward a more dignified, efficient, and inclusive transportation system, aligned with the New Agreement for Wellbeing and Development in Quintana Roo.

Governor Lezama emphasized that Chetumal, which she reaffirmed as the state’s capital, is undergoing significant growth under her administration. "This government does not lie, steal, or betray the people," she stated, citing recent infrastructure projects such as the Quintana Roo Park, new hospitals, and the revitalization of public spaces. "Chetumal’s residents deserve better public transportation options," she added.

The governor stressed that the plan is not intended to displace existing transport workers but to strengthen the sector, encouraging longer stays and increased economic activity in the city. She called for public participation in shaping the system, emphasizing a grassroots approach: "We work on the ground, far from the desk."

Public Consultation and Pilot Testing

The first phase of the plan involves a month-long public consultation, including 30 citizen feedback boxes, 10 working groups, and a specialized mobility forum. Residents can also contribute input through the website turutachetumal.com.

Hernández Kotasek explained that the plan integrates multiple transportation modes, offering residents greater flexibility. Pilot tests will soon begin to evaluate three key factors:

• Road infrastructure conditions
• Vehicle dimensions suitable for Chetumal
• Operational efficiency and performance

The new system aims to resolve chronic issues such as long wait times, outdated routes, poor connectivity between neighborhoods, and high fares due to limited supply.

A Collaborative Effort

IMOVEQROO has engaged with state lawmakers, the Mobility Commission, Othón P. Blanco’s municipal president, and transport unions to ensure the project’s long-term viability. "Governor Lezama has directed us to prioritize the people’s needs over private interests," Hernández Kotasek said. "Mobility is also social justice."

The event was attended by Alexia Gabriela Góngora Basto, a student at the Technological University of Chetumal; Dalia Cornelio Rodríguez, a local resident; Verónica Lezama Espinosa, honorary president of DIF Quintana Roo; State Congress leader Jorge Sanén Cervantes; and Othón P. Blanco Mayor Yensunni Martínez Hernández.

Chetumal remains the only state capital in Mexico without an urban bus system, making this initiative a critical step in its development.