Cancún, Quintana Roo — More than two years after launching operations, the Maya Train in Quintana Roo continues to see low passenger numbers, with stations in Cancún, Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen operating well below capacity, a recent visit by Noticaribe found.
Parking lots at the stations are often empty or nearly empty, and inside, only a scattering of passengers and employees can be seen in hallways, ticket areas, waiting rooms and platforms. Many commercial spaces remain vacant, some bearing signs that read “Future commercial space” beneath the Maya Train logo.
Train schedules are also far from reaching the full frequency federal authorities had anticipated. According to station managers in Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, the Maya Train currently runs only two daily trips from Cancún to Chetumal.
When asked about the low ridership, administrative officials said that some passengers take advantage of discounts for seniors and people with disabilities. “We haven’t stopped running. Sometimes there are passengers, sometimes there are no seats available, but that doesn’t mean the cars aren’t running in the morning and evening,” said the Puerto Morelos station manager.
Tourists make up the majority of riders, while local residents show little interest in the Cancún–Chetumal route. Some passengers noted a key drawback: travelers cannot continue from Chetumal to Palenque on the same day. Those departing from northern Quintana Roo in the morning or afternoon must spend the night at the Chetumal station to catch the 7 a.m. train to Chiapas.
Adding to the challenges, rumors of potential derailments or collapses circulating on social media have fueled public distrust of the federal megaproject.
