Maya Train: Social Justice, Not Profit, Says Deputy

Chetumal — In response to criticism over the multi-billion peso losses recorded by the Maya Train, Deputy Alberto Batún Chulim asserted that the railway project was not created to generate profits but as a matter of social justice. The legislator stated that its purpose is to provide the public with an economical travel option.

The remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of the rail system, which has been noted for its low passenger demand and for operating routes with empty carriages. According to specialists, the Maya Train registered losses of 2.020 billion pesos in the first half of 2025 alone. From its inauguration through that period, the total losses reached 5.807 billion pesos. During the first six months of 2025, its own revenues covered just 9.6 percent of its operational expenses.

"The Maya Train was not built to be a business; it is a matter of social justice for the people. As you can see in Quintana Roo, there are several stations and some towns that are connected. Let's give it the opportunity to continue working. I am convinced it is a tourist attraction. I see it is supporting the state because it attracts tourism. We must give it time, whatever is necessary, to yield better results because it is an alternative for the people by connecting communities," said Batún.

The deputy rejected the notion that the Maya Train has failed to achieve financial self-sufficiency and depends on public funds to operate, in addition to facing criticism over its environmental impact and cost overruns. He insisted that the real benefit is for the population.

He stated that the project is not a failure, even while operating at low capacity, especially because it is still functioning with limited coverage. He expressed confidence that as demand increases and the service is promoted more effectively, it will be able to offer more routes and thus improve connectivity.

Batún highlighted that the same principle applies to the new urban transport system scheduled to begin definitive operations in Chetumal in January 2026, which was developed to address the needs of the citizenry.

"It depends on how each person sees it; for example, the public transport in Chetumal, which seeks to provide people with access to dignified transport at fares within everyone's reach. Believe me, we are working only to improve connectivity in Quintana Roo," he concluded.