After 1 Year: Did the Maya Train Deliver on It's Promises?
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- One year after its launch, we examine the progress of the Maya Train and see if it has delivered on its promises. 🗓️ Book The Tours and Experiences in Merida- vi.me/s/mexitp...
From the route from Merida Teya Station to the Tulum Airport station, we'll discuss the impact and future of this important infrastructure project. Be sure to watch for the plot twists and surprises along the way.
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awesome video very informative I am still yet to go in may, by then I do believe all 7 sections of the train will be fully operational, but the reason you see most Mexicans on the train really excited about it because about 20 years ago the government in Mexico took away our passenger trains across the whole country, sold them out for scrap metal and privatized the train lines for cargo only, so to us its not just a train or an experience, its an achievement for the people of Mexico that we got this huge project bein built and becoming a reality but as you said they will continue to improve I think you should make another video with this title once its completely finished saludos desde Tijuana Baja California
Good idea. The whole route is open as of Sunday. The schedule is limited but you can travel the whole route over a couple of days.
@@Mexitplans awesome cant wait to finally go
Oh my god, el critico is not that critico. My friend no one took passenger trains from the people, please don't lie. Most of the trains have always been cargo trains and most have been constructed by either private companies or the federal government. To say that passenger train can be reality is being ignorant of the topography of Mexico and the technical challenges. Obviously you don't know anything about technical issues. Most of the rail where the cargo trains run were constructed by American companies, only until 20 years ago some have been constructed by Mexican companies and they are only profitable thanks to the cargo that they move.
When Lopez Obrador won, many people protesting for different things constantly blocked the rails so many business in Mexico and USA were affected by the situation and to make matter worse Lopez obrador expropriated some rail lines to build his other failure of project the istmo de Tehuantepec. And you want more passenger trains how? As for the Maya train is losing extraordinary amounts of money only operating cost. The true is that passenger just take it once to try it but when they see that it's too slow they don't take it anymore when you can take an ADO which get you faster than the train and run more often. So it will be a dream to see this train continue in the future, they are losing so much money that new gov is planning to take this passenger train from you and make it a cargo train. Please inform yourself of what is really happening in Mexico.
As today December 15, the entire route is open, including 4 Tren Maya hotels. (Kalakmul,Tulum, Chichén Itzá and Edzná) They’re offering packages from airport to hotels and archaeological sites… thank you for your video
I read about the packages they were offering for the Christmas holiday.
my mom and i had plans to there back in March... but she passed away in February,.. :( ... i was happy to see other people did make it with their mom.
So sorry for your loss. You should still take it to have the experience.
Yes. Take it. Your mom will be with you in spirit. ❤
✝️ RIP 🙏
NOW YOU HAVE TO GO TO HONER HER WISHES!
In October, I took the Tren Maya from Mérida-Teya to PDC. When I got to the station in PDC, the taxi driver definitely charged me 500 pesos for a 15-minute drive to my Airbnb. Total rip off. I would take the ADO or just order a taxi on the app next time.
@@DarylThomas-t1x my return trip from the hotel on 10th Ave was 15 minutes. The cost was supposed to be $500 but was a little less.
@ that is outrageous. I thought that was normal until one of my local friends told me that I got scammed. So, I won’t be doing that again.
You have to watch the scams on Quintana Roo.
@@Mexitplans yeah, I learned that the hard way lol. Also, I was surprised by the odor around the Mérida-Teya station. I’m not sure if it was still there when you were there.
@@DarylThomas-t1x I’ve never smelled an order around the station. I’ve been there 7 times.
Monte,
When I left Centro Mérida, Yucatán back in September, I chose Tren Maya to CUN.
I bought my ticket online.
Being familiar with Mañana time, and it because it was My first experience with Tren Maya I decided to take Uber from Centro to Tren Maya station that was quite a ride.
Once I arrived at the Merida station it was clean, and about as organized as most things in México. Asking questions turned into committee meetings. Lol.
I boarded the train where I quided to. To my pleasant surprise I was able to buy Corona beer and a bag of chips where I paid airport prices.
I found My seat, met my row neighbors and we worked on Our language skills and enjoyed a pleasant ride to the Cancun Tren Maya station where I borded the transfer bus to Cancun airport.
All in all, muy buenos!
Awesome r. Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s the people you meet on the train for me.
Thanks for the review!
Glad it was helpful!
Simply and amazing project. 👏🏻🇲🇽
@@frenchnavy1 viva Mexico.
Great video! Thanks for sharing that info!
Thank for watching.
We’ve enjoyed taking the train six times this year, and prefer it to buses for a variety of reasons because we have the time, but they really can do a better job advertising online via their website how you get to Centro from the outskirts at all the stations along the way, as otherwise you just have to figure it out when you get to your destination, as you found out:) From our experience, everywhere is a pricey taxi to downtown and back (in Puerto Morelos, Izamal & Valladolid) other than PDC, Merida and Cancun where you can bus (but the bus doesn’t run that often in Merida and PDC:) Thanks for the good work on the vid!
I definitely think improving the last mile is the most needed part.
@@MexitplansThat’s a good way to put it, and we’re pleased to update that when we came into Valladolid on the train a few days ago, there was a shuttle bus to Centro waiting for us for 36 pesos:)
Thank you for the Very helpful information esp because on the maya trainmap it makes it look like it takes you directly to airport and it doesn’t.
You're welcome. The map is definitely misleading.
I love how informative your videos are regarding the Maya Trein. I’m pretty sure you’re giving the most detail and perspective on it. 👌🏾
@@tonyetheselfcaremaven thank you. I have another one coming out soon. That will be more of a Maya train guide.
@@tonyetheselfcaremaven thank you. I have another one coming out soon. That will be more of a Maya train guide.
I love your comments. You are objective and measured on the explanation of a new train communication system.
Thank you very much!
Man thank you making an update on this, the train seems amazing as a hard product. However, it appears much more difficult to reach the actual destination without an additional mode of transport. I would love the train to replace ADO, but it appears ADO is still more convenient at this time.
Facts. It may be a replacement for ADO in places that don't have regular ADO access.
As a Mexican I feel a little disappointed, I mean I know having a train network is better than nothing but they could have done it way better.
-The internet still missing
-The tulum station should be inside the Tulum airport both were building at the same time 😭
Most stations are outside the cities and in the future they will be part of the city
-opening early, they are running the experience of many people, you live there and can take it many times but the outsider will not have the opportunity to have a better experience.
At least the new president learned from the mistakes of Amlo and the next lines will be better planned.
Anyway, thanks for the videos. It was amazing, and the quality is awesome.❤
Thank you for your feedback and for watching.
your shows are always good and informative i will be in Merida 2/26 for dental work
Outstanding. I’ll be here. Thanks for watching.
@@Mexitplans how can i reach out
@@dharma6808 hit the chat at MexitPlans.com
Great video! I have shared this with all of my friends and neighbors in Tulum Country Club (Bahia Principe). Keep up the great content!
@@genoots outstanding. I have another one coming soon that will have lessons learned from my 9 trips. Would love to join you for a round of golf in 2025 if you are a golfer.
@@Mexitplans Great! Looking forward to it. And yes I play and would love to have you over as a guest and show you the area if you haven't hung around this area. I just followed you on IG, so hit me up next time you are planning a trip out this way.
Can you just show up? What’s the schedule like? Their website with the schedule never works for me. I took the ADO to Merida from PDC last week because I realized the train is forever far away from the ferry in PDC while the bus station is easy walking distance. Same in Merida.
There’s an app!!!! Problem solved. I think.
You can only book 1 week out. Ticket sales stop before the departure. It used to be 2 hours beforehand in Mérida. I’m not sure if it’s the same. It’s 10 minutes beforehand in PDC.
Yes in PDC you can walk off the bus and right to the ferry station next to the park with the Playa Del Carmen signs.
You’re the only English speaking channel that’s given anywhere near all this info re the tren. Mucho gracias!!!
@ thanks. I wish the government would sponsor me.
Great review. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Going in March. I hope all hotels are functional by then. I hear all the 1500 kilometers are now.
Yes the hoteles are open and the entire route is technically operational although with very limited scheduling from section 6 and 7.
Is there WiFi on the train? Was hoping to do work and have access to internet while traveling from Merida to Cancun.
Technically no. You only have service near the stations. But there is a satellite access and I tested it. It’s super slow and not intended for the public.
@@Mexitplans Is the service there strong? Im wondering if I can utilize my personal hotspot. Are there any other options you suggest to be able to work on the train during that time?
The train runs through the jungle and has weak cellular signal.
@@Mexitplans ooo ok got it. Thank you!
Monte,
If I don't catch you before Christmas; Feliz Navidad!!
Feliz Navidad.
Thanks for the review. I am curious if you spotted anyone bringing their bicycle on the train on any of your train trips? It is my understanding that bikes are permitted but I have yet to see any reviews to verify this. Thanks again.
@@gogorobandles I have not. In fact most of the folks I’ve seen taking the train are not from the peninsula or are foreigners that want the experience. I’ve not seen a single bag larger than a Big suitcase.
@Mexitplans thanks for the reply. We like to explore by bike and looking forward to perhaps riding further and combining the train to return back to Mérida. I will investigate more when we arrive. Cheers🙂
And by the way, every local I’ve asked recently was uninterested and has zero info on the tren. Makes me feel like it’s a bit more political than we realize as expats. Hopefully they will improve connections and prices which will make it more realistic for locals. Also the eventual infill development around stations is a big deal with any new train anywhere. New cities will likely spring up around the stations that are far outside of the existing cities. All in time. Overall this will be good for Mexico. Trains change everything for regions.
I think there will be big progress now that the system is open. Once they improve scheduling and pricing the train will be a great mode of transportation.
How full were the trains? I read that the occupancy of the Cancun Playa del Carmen line is only 30 %
Not full at all. On the way back from Vallodolid, I had the entire premiere class car to myself.
Not surprised, the logistics of the The Tren Maya is bad. Take the ADO from the center of Cancun to the Tren station is 120 pesos, to Playa del Carmen only 118 pesos.
@ yea it’s hard to compete with the ADO at this point for price and convenience.
Hi, great video. I have a few questions if you don't mind? I'm currently at a resort in Cancun and will be leaving for Merida in a few days. I've taken the ADO for the trip before. Do you recommend just sticking with the ADO or trying the train? I tried looking online to get tickets but haven't been successful.
Hey. ADO is not a bad way to go and they have buses leaving every 30 minutes during the day. The Platino is awesome if you can take that. With being said the train is good for the experience. They just added a 5th train. There are two that leave at 9:30. They are full over the next couple days. I just tried to book for the 26th at 11:45. So instead we will be on the ADO Platino. The train is also more expensive.
Man, i haven't taken one train trip yet 🤦🏾♀️ ADO is so easy that I haven't made the time to try the train. I love train travel in Europe. How does Tren Maya compare? I might try taking it to Palenque.
Nothing like Europe that’s had trains for decades. It’s running on schedule from Cancun to Palenque. It’s 8 hours from Mérida to Palenque but it’s worth it.
God blessed
Thank you
Too soon to comment ..... More development to link towns and cities to the route will continue. Most foreign tourists do not yet know about the train.
The jury is still out but I think it’s a great start. You are right about the tourists which is why I make these videos to bring folks up to date.
It looks beautiful but if it's not finished, there's room for improvement of course. BTW, there's always room for improvement
For sure, it's still a work in progress.
the reason why the time was wrong is because of the time The reason why the time was wrong is because of the time zone in the state of Quintana Roo, here in Quintana Roo we do not have daylight saving time, so here it is 1 hour ahead of the rest of the peninsula, when the ticket was printed You say 2 pm in Mérida but 3 pm in Tulum, I think they have to clarify that in the ticket to avoid misunderstandings like that.
@@DavidGomez-cl3hw Yes I’m aware of the time zone difference but the app was not. Jaja.
good show very informative i would say the cost to ride the train will go down in price within time give it 5 yrs
today its expensive because the government spent enormous sums of money on the project so they need to generate
as much as possible there much aware that's inaccesable to the locals but that will change in future
I agree with you. I think we will see big improvements in the price and availability as the system is open fully in year 2.
Problem is, money needs to be spent to maintain the infrastructure and pay all the employees. Hard to catch up!
Highly doubt the ride fair will go down.. that train was designed for tourists and they know tourists will pay the price. I bet locals be paying an affordable price for them… I noticed that when I was in Cabo last year.. there’s an invisible line between locals and tourists. They can really tell the difference
@@danieldelrancho5749 i agree there should be a discounted price for the locals
that would increase passenger volume its a win win for all :)
How much was the cost from Mérida to Tulum airport station?
I had to purchase two separate tickets. Roughly $1900 pesos. Premiere class Mérida to Play $1691.5 and tourists class playa to $205 pesos.
One way $94.56 usd
@ I just traveled from Anyang to Beijing for $1100 pesos, first class seat, in 2 hours 18 minutes, with no middle transfer, WiFi. Not bad for 500 km trip.
@ Merida to Tulum airport is 300 km and took you 10 hours, that is a very slow train
By car is 3:30 hours
@@marioluna3734 that’s awesome.
As with many other projects started by the AMLO government, they’re incomplete. I have a network of friends that travel throughout Mexico and other parts of the world. Several of those friends, live in Mexico. We see this happening with the highway system and hospitals in various parts of Mexico. We can only hope Sheinbaum, from the same party as AMLO will not follow his lead. At the moment we’re following, the new rail station for both cargo and new passenger service from Nogales Sonora to Guadalajara Jalisco. We certainly hope these projects prevail since it means faster transport of Mexican citizens and tourists to Mexico.
Many projects started that will definitely improve the lives and economy in Mexico. I hope they all succeed.
@ She has her hands full with organized crime, especially in the State of Sinaloa. A few doctors have left to work on other cities. The previous administration did nothing about the cartels in Mexico. This “hands off” approach will undermine all of plans for economic growth. So many citizens in Sinaloa are happy Donald J Trump won the US presidency. They want the US to invade Mexico and destroy these cartels.
Problem is, money needs to be spent to maintain the infrastructure and pay all the employees. Hard to catch up!
True. Security is free since it’s the national guard. Jaja
Looks like the connections need work, otherwise looks interesting.
They are adding ore trains to the system which will help with the schedule.
I think it was a huge mistake to make the stations so far from the cities. It's almost like they want people to not use it regularly. Why do they make this? I don't know, same happens in the US and Canada with train transportation.
Is fine the stations are where they are. They just need a solid singular plan for transportation from each station.
Tu ingles es muy bueno, pero estas en Mexico, aprende a hablar en español cuando vengas!
@alfredocarrillogonzalez8637 gracias ingles es mi idioma primera pero he estudiado español hace 5 años. En el video uso español a pregunatarles sobre las cosas del tren.
@@Mexitplans That’s the way we can become bilingual! I do it every time I go to US! (People get upset if one doesn’t speak their own language!)
if you knew how much us tax payers are wasting in this train, you would not think the way you're thinking. The most recent studies say that one average the train is only transporting less than 10 people per train car so the train is losing huge amounts of money. Since it started this project had a lot of problems, it was blocked many times by many federal judges for violating many articles of the constitution so Obrador bypassed this by declaring it a national security project and sealing the cost of the project for 10 years. In fact this is one of the 3 mega projects that Obrador started and all these projects are losing money. The new gov is now thinking of making the train a cargo train because it can't justify the operating cost. Obrador increased the foreign debt by 60% in almost 6 years and most of this money when to his projects and to give money to the people. All this information comes from the government. I invite you to check all this info.
@fourthdeconstruction thank you for your comment and I understand your perspective. No one wants to see money go to waste when there are always alternative ways it could have been spent. Often times leadership is unpopular. How this project will go down in history is yet to be seen. But you don’t build something like this an expect immediate adoption especially when the old way is still better. It’s not truly in its full capacity, yet. Let’s give it time before you write it off as a failed project. I do know this. No other country maybe with the exception of China could have pulled off a project his large in the same amount of time.
Thanks for the review and to warn everybody to take the train after one year in operation. ridiculous that you need to take a bus from the Tulum airport station to the airport, as well also at all other stations . They are very inconvenient located, typical Mexico to put up obstacles .
I think year two will see big improvements.
Seriously! It’s a new train and was not made to pass through your house. Save your comment (I’ll save mine) for 3 more years…the train was made to detonate the area and that takes time. Plus, they’re also gonna start building the cargo one which will pay for it…
El Tren Maya is a pet project of the former president and was ill-conceived from the start. There were never any technical, economic, or environmental studies done to determine its feasability. The entire pet project is nothing more than a massive waste of Mexican taxpayer money. It's estimated that when it is completed, the entire project will have cost at least $50 billion U.S. dollars and will *_never_* be profitable. As it is, the train is barely used and will require massive amounts of money to keep it going for it runs through unstable terrain (underground rivers and caves) that will make it necessary for constant maintenance. Only in Mexico.
Only in Mexico could a project of this size be built in less than 3 years.
I mean, all the trains in the world are subsidized, few of them make profits and mostly are in Japan.
Also, it is a service like the hallways and roads but people never said that because they are so car-center.
Tren maya was not well planned but definitely can improve
PPP Mexico 3,400,000,000,000 dollars pesos 68,000,000,000,000, Mexico not poor Mexican uses pesos.
Prianista detected!!!
Such a waste of money tbh, it's an overpromising project with EVRYTHING underdelivering
@@bjoon so far. Only time will tell.
It is no wonder that only 18% ridership on a train that the Mexican president dreamt of when he was a kid and that's why he built it, I believe there was no actual economic impact study done before building it.
Probably not. But I can tell you that the people I’ve met on the train all took it to their destinations because it was an experience. It will bring tourists from Cancun to Valladolid and Mérida in the future. These are folks that would have never left the Riveria Maya on the bus.
@@Mexitplans Right, the tax payers are paying billions of dollars for these people to have this experience, I'd say money well spent Lol!!
@ I think politically it served its immediate purpose and in the long run the country will look back and see how brilliant it was to connect the largest tourist destinations with the rest of the peninsula.
@@Mexitplans I certainly hope so!
@@Mexitplans,
DITTO!
The short and correct answer is no. The prices are obscene, for everyone and not discounting for residents is an insult. The train was for AMLO, not Mexico. Have white/rich guilt, be a Nationalist, wear rose tinted glasses or wake up and be real. The train is a failure. Once the UA-camrs are done the train will fade...
Doubtful.
There is a discount for locals
@meatgravylard - Hater, this train is only getting better as it becomes part of the Mayan land.
STOP LYING.. there’s huge discounts for locals, seniors and students. And the whole system keeps getting better and better.
As today December 15, the entire route. It’s open, including 4 Tren Maya hotels. (Kalakmul,Tulum, Chichén Itzá and Edzná) They’re offering packages from airport to hotels and archaeological sites… thank you for your video
Yes. As I was riding the train home tickets we by on sale for the Cancun to Bacalar. There are no tickets available for Chatman airport to Escarcega at the moment.
Thanks for the review and to warn everybody to take the train after one year in operation. ridiculous that you need to take a bus from the Tulum airport station to the airport, as well also at all other station . They are very inconvenient located, typical Mexico to put up obstacles .
@@hsdizamal9770 they just need posted info online to set the expectation at each station.