Maya Train Hits Record Ridership, Strains Tulum & Bacalar

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Maya Train system has achieved a new milestone during the summer 2025 season, surpassing 50,000 passengers transported in a single week for the first time. While the federal government’s flagship project demonstrates its tourism potential, communities in southern Quintana Roo, including Tulum and Bacalar, are feeling the strain on their basic services.

Record Ridership and Regional Impact

Sources from Tren Maya S.A. de C.V. confirmed that the Cancún-Palenque route is the most in demand, with an average weekend occupancy rate of 92%. The surge is attributed to a mix of domestic and international tourists seeking an alternative way to explore the Yucatán Peninsula beyond traditional beach destinations.

For travelers, the train has opened access to previously hard-to-reach locations. It is now possible to have breakfast in Playa del Carmen, visit the Tulum ruins by midday, and arrive at Bacalar’s Seven Colors Lagoon by evening. However, this influx of visitors is overwhelming local infrastructure.

Transportation and Infrastructure Challenges

In Tulum, taxi and ride-hailing services are struggling to accommodate passengers traveling from the train station—located on the outskirts—to the hotel zone and downtown, leading to long wait times and inflated fares.

Local Voices: Development vs. Environmental Concerns

The dual nature of the project is most evident in the perspectives of residents. Business owners near stations report significant sales increases but express concerns about long-term sustainability.

In Bacalar, the strain on the fragile lagoon ecosystem is a primary concern. Civil organizations and local hoteliers note that the rise in visitors has not been matched by proportional improvements in drainage and wastewater treatment infrastructure.

"Of course, there are more people and more sales—no one denies that. But what good is it if our lagoon dies in a few years? The train was the first step, but now we urgently need the second: massive investment in sanitation and an urban planning strategy that respects the town’s carrying capacity," said an anonymous Bacalar hotel owner.

The Path Forward

The challenge for municipal and state authorities is clear: capitalize on the train’s success without sacrificing residents’ quality of life or the sustainability of the region’s natural resources—the true crown jewels of the Southeast.

Have you traveled on the Maya Train? Share your experience in the comments. If you live in the area, tell us how it has impacted your community.