Mexico's 'Maya Train' Faces Low Ridership and Revenue Despite Trillions in Investment

Mexico's 'Maya Train', built across the Yucatan Peninsula, is struggling to meet its annual passenger and revenue targets, signaling difficulties for the government's ambitious infrastructure project.

Tue Apr 28 2026

Maya Train Inauguration and Initial Expectations

Mexico's Maya Train, which traverses the southern Yucatan Peninsula, fully opened last year. Connecting Maya civilization sites like Chichen Itza and resort areas such as Cancun, the railway spans approximately 1,500 km. The Mexican government invested about 4 trillion yen (approximately 26 billion USD) in this project, aiming to bring development and boost tourism to the impoverished southern region. Initial projections anticipated attracting 3 million passengers annually.

Resident Dissatisfaction and Poor Performance

However, local residents along the railway route express disappointment, stating that their hopes for improved infrastructure, such as electricity and water supply, have not materialized. Furthermore, the estimated number of passengers has been revised downwards to 1.2 million, and revenue covers only about 13% of operating costs. This indicates significant underperformance, suggesting that the government's ambitious project is facing substantial real-world challenges.

*Source: YouTube: ANNnewsCH (2026-04-28)*

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