Yucatán’s Va y Ven Buses: New Routes, Cheaper Fares Ahead

Mérida, Yucatán — Concessionaires of the Va y Ven public transportation system held a second meeting with the Yucatán government tonight in search of a solution to the service crisis affecting Mérida and other cities in the state. They left the Government Palace with a glimmer of hope, according to statements from the business owners' spokesperson, David Quintal Medina, after Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena announced he would reveal an extraordinary federal support package at noon on Wednesday to maintain service levels prior to the gradual withdrawal of buses as a pressure tactic over unpaid debts.

Quintal Medina confirmed in an interview following the meeting with the Secretary General of Government, Omar Pérez Avilés, and the Director of the Yucatán Transportation Agency (ATY), Jacinto Sosa Novelo, that the nature of the governor’s announcement remains unclear but appears to involve financial assistance for concessionaires.

Financial Struggles in Va y Ven

Attempting to justify the Va y Ven’s financial difficulties, Quintal Medina acknowledged the broader economic challenges in Mexico, particularly in securing funds for ongoing projects like the transportation system.

"The truth is, this situation isn’t easy. There’s a lack of resources—we have to be realistic," he said. "The budget for the system wasn’t properly calculated, and that’s creating a more serious problem. However, there’s goodwill from the state government and all concessionaires to find a way forward. Both sides want this to continue and improve, but we must be extremely patient."

"Some decisions may be unpopular, but the goal is to sustain service. We need to offer users alternatives with different types of buses," he added.

"Tomorrow, the governor will make an announcement at noon. They’ve asked us to wait. It likely involves securing federal resources."

Quintal Medina noted that Governor Díaz Mena’s efforts provide reassurance, as concessionaires have endured critical periods before, such as pandemic-related shutdowns and financial losses, yet continued operations.

A Ray of Hope for Yucatán’s Transportation

The governor’s pending announcement offers hope for restoring service to previous levels, though concessionaires may adjust their pressure strategy. Quintal revealed that payment shortfalls stemmed from miscalculations in the ATY’s budget and reduced fare collection due to technical issues with new payment card readers, leaving many transactions unprocessed.

He emphasized that service continues, albeit with longer wait times, while the bus reductions have lowered fuel costs—a significant expense.

"This is a transition period due to flawed budgeting for ATY operations," he reiterated. "It’s beyond our control as concessionaires, but we understand this government inherited a difficult situation."

A Cursed Legacy?

"I wouldn’t call it cursed, but it’s certainly an inheritance," Quintal said, blaming former ATY Director Rafael Hernández Kotasek and his team for the budget discrepancies. "The math is simple: multiply the number of buses by guaranteed kilometers and the per-kilometer rate. The numbers don’t add up."

The total debt owed to the 15 concessionaires pressuring the government amounts to $130 million pesos.

Financial Management Challenges

Quintal highlighted additional complications from Hernández Kotasek’s transition, including a problematic contract with a new payment card provider that led to widespread validation failures.

"Revenue dropped sharply, worsening the sector’s crisis," he said. "Director Sosa and his team are correcting this, demanding efficiency from the provider. But it’s a gradual process—monitoring 835 buses isn’t overnight work. Electronic card payments have improved significantly."

When asked if collections now cover concessionaire payments, Quintal replied, "No, because the budget was miscalculated. But we’re working on solutions through December. These meetings provide clarity—both sides are being honest."

Route Redesign and Cost-Saving Measures

The concessionaire spokesperson said future discussions will focus on route restructuring and proposals for more affordable buses, ruling out older units from the previous system.

The Va y Ven fleet currently lacks 400 of its planned 1,800 buses. Quintal confirmed that future purchases won’t mirror the current expensive models.

"Users could choose between buses with air conditioning at 12 pesos or more basic options at 9 or 10 pesos," he explained. "This isn’t new—other states have similar systems, all well-regulated."