MOBI Buses in Chetumal Go Cashless as Fares Take Effect Tuesday

Rafael Hernández Kotasek, director of the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute, explains electronic payment options for MOBI buses in Chetumal.

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — MOBI bus service on the Sian Ka’an–Las Américas route in Chetumal will begin charging fares Tuesday, and passengers will need to use an electronic payment method because cash will not be accepted on board, officials announced.

Rafael Hernández Kotasek, director of the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute (IMOVEQROO), said riders will have four payment options: the red MOBI General card, a QR code generated through the MOBI app, a MOBI Social Fare card, or contactless debit and credit cards.

The MOBI General card costs 35 pesos and is sold at authorized businesses such as OXXO and Dunosusa. Reloads are accepted at those locations as well as at Súper Willys and SIX stores.

To use the MOBI app, riders download it, register, and verify their phone number. Once registered, the app generates a free virtual card that must be loaded with funds. From the app’s card section, passengers can select the e-ticket option to create a dynamic QR code and hold it up to the validator on the bus.

Social Fare Cards

A free Social Fare card is available to students, residents 60 and older, and people with disabilities who meet the requirements. Applicants must visit an IMOVEQROO credentialing module with the required documents.

  • Students age 6 and older: minors must present their CURP; students 18 and older must present a valid INE. Both groups also need proof of residence issued within the last three months and proof of enrollment.
  • Residents 60 and older: valid INE, a recent proof of residence, and a copy of their INAPAM credential.
  • People with disabilities: valid INE, proof of residence issued within the last three months, and an official document showing a permanent disability.

Credentialing modules are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Plaza Manatí on Bulevar Bahía; at the MOBI Operations Center on Avenida Miguel Hidalgo and Álvaro Obregón; and at the state DIF offices on Avenida Adolfo López Mateos in Colonia Italia. Temporary modules have also been installed at the University of Quintana Roo on Avenida Erick Paolo Martínez and at the Technological University of Chetumal.

Route Details

The Sian Ka’an–Las Américas route covers roughly 21 kilometers, connecting the Las Américas area with downtown Chetumal. Buses operate daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are electric units with capacity for up to 60 passengers.

Each bus includes air conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB and USB-C ports, information screens, GPS, an emergency button, and real-time video surveillance. The fleet also features universal accessibility equipment for people with disabilities or reduced mobility.

IMOVEQROO urged riders to familiarize themselves with the available payment methods and, in particular, to check that their physical or virtual cards have enough balance before boarding.

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By Staff Desk

The Riviera Maya News & Events Staff Desk covers local events, cultural celebrations, community stories, and general news from across the Riviera Maya and Yucatán Peninsula. The Staff Desk produces timely coverage of festivals, municipal announcements, community initiatives, and stories that don't fall under a single specialist beat, ensuring that every corner of the region receives balanced attention.The Staff Desk draws from municipal calendars, event organizers, community submissions, and official announcements to keep English-speaking readers informed about what's happening in their communities — from charity events and school programs to local government services and cultural exhibitions.When individual bylines are not used, the Staff Desk attribution reflects collaborative reporting by the editorial team, with the same editorial standards, fact-checking, and translation review applied to every story.