Despite inauguration, latest section of Maya Train not operating

CANCUN, Mexico — When is a route inauguration not really the start of service?

With Mexico’s Maya Train, the answer, apparently, is when a political deadline is involved.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obardor was among the officials on board Feb. 29 for a trip to inaugurate a new section of the Maya Train, a short (68-kilometer/42-mile) segment between Cancún and Playa del Carmen [see “Newest section of Maya train opens,” Trains News Wire, March 1, 2024]. That Feb. 29 date was originally the target for completion of the entire 950-mile system; it was also the last day the government could open new projects ahead of a presidential election in July.

However, as of Wednesday, no trains have run on the Cancún-Playa del Carmen route since the inaugural run, the news site PorEsto reports. No schedules have been posted for what was supposed to be two daily round trips, and no tickets can be purchased on the system’s online ticket portal. (The Washington Post reported last week that even on operating portions, purchasing tickets can be a challenge.)

A 15.5-kilometer (9.6-mile) electric bus system to connect Cancún’s airport and Maya Train station is also unfinished, based on PorEsto photos, although the site quotes a report from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transporation as saying the system is 97% complete and was scheduled to begin operation March 4.

PorEsto also notes that on Feb. 29, officials specified the first trip was a “pre-opening” rather than an inauguration — a distinction not reported at the time — and reports it is unknown when actual operations will begin.

La Jornada Maya reports that work also continues to complete the Playa del Carmen station, which still has no road access, as well as work to complete the rail line itself. It also reports workers said they have not been told when trains will begin operating.