Shocking Fare Hike: Ultramar Raises Prices in Cozumel

Workers are bracing for a significant financial hit as Ultramar, a prominent shipping company, has unexpectedly raised its fares. This increase will most heavily impact those in vulnerable sectors, such as holders of credentials from the National Institute of Older Adults (Inapam). These individuals will now be required to pay an additional 130 pesos for a round trip. Islanders will see a fare increase of 20 pesos, while Quintana Roo residents will face a 40-peso hike. This fare increase not only strains family budgets, but also generates uncertainty about potential price hikes from other shipping companies operating on the Cozumel-Playa del Carmen-Cozumel route.

Cozumel residents who work in the Riviera Maya are anxiously awaiting the departure of Winjet or Xailin from Xcaret, which have so far kept their rates stable. Some individuals, in an effort to save time, have chosen to pay the new ticket price. However, the fare increase has sparked concerns that other shipping companies may soon follow suit.

In past years, proposals for fare increases were first submitted to the SCT and the Government was informed. Under current federal regulations, however, shipping companies are required to conduct a study justifying the increase, based on investments made in expansions or ship purchases. The entity responsible for approving the increase then conducts a socio-economic study and determines the amount of the increase. The shipping company is then permitted to apply the increase once it has been authorized.