“Ride in Style: Mérida Introduces 4 New Bus Routes with Modern Units”

The “Va y Ven” Transport System in Mérida is expanding, with four new routes in the west and south of the city now in operation. These routes are serviced by 28 new, modern units. The routes, named Centro-Mulsay-Juan Pablo II-CREE-Psychiatric, Centro-Poniente-Xoclán, Centro-Las Palmas-Gran Vistana and Centro-San Roque, began operations recently and will be free until August 2. After this date, electronic payment will be introduced, offering users transfer discounts.

Once payment is introduced, these routes will offer a social fare for students, older adults, and people with disabilities. This fare will be valid all year round. Additionally, users will be able to access free and discounted transfers within the first 120 minutes of their first trip, allowing for easy interconnection with any other “Va y Ven” System route.

The Centro-Mulsay-Juan Pablo II-CREE-Psychiatric and Centro-Poniente-Xoclán routes will operate with 6 and 11 hybrid units respectively. The stops for these routes can be found on 61 x 72 street in the Historic Centre and 69 x 66 street in the city centre respectively. The new hybrid units are Yutong buses, which produce 60 times less pollution and are quieter than conventional buses. They also combine a diesel-electric propulsion system, can carry up to 70 people, and produce 400% less CO2 emissions per year.

The Centro-Las Palmas-Gran Vistana route will be serviced by 5 Mercedes Benz units, with the stop located on 63 x 56 and 54 street in Mérida Center. The Centro-San Roque route will operate with 6 Volvo units, with the stop on 58 x 73 and 77 street in the city center.

All units in this new fleet are equipped with air conditioning, USB chargers, screens, a bike rack, and can be tracked through the Va-y-ven app. The buses are also designed to be accessible, with exclusive spaces for people with disabilities, short stature, and older adults, as well as ramps for wheelchairs, low floors and braille signage.

The Yucatán Transport Agency (ATY) has a helpline (072) and a WhatsApp service (999 165 24 74) for reporting incidents, requesting route information, stops and processes, and making suggestions. They can also be contacted via email at ayuda@transporteyucatan.org.mx.