Maya Train Earns Just 2% of Revenue From Tickets

The Maya Train, a flagship infrastructure project of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration, generated just 2.3% of its total revenue from passenger ticket sales during its first full year of operation, with the remainder covered by substantial government subsidies.

According to financial statements obtained by El Financiero through Mexico’s National Transparency Platform, the military-operated rail project earned 299.8 million pesos ($17.9 million) from ticket sales and related products in its inaugural year. Meanwhile, the federal government allocated 12.867 billion pesos ($768 million) in subsidies to sustain operations and complete pending construction work.

Persistent Financial Shortfalls

The financial records reveal that the Maya Train operated at a loss for 11 of its first 12 months, requiring monthly expenditures of up to 151 million pesos ($9 million) to maintain service. On average, the government spent 431 pesos ($25.70) per passenger during this period.

Future Projections and Expansion Plans

Military officials overseeing the project aim to transport 1.2 million tourists in 2025, anticipating increased ticket revenue but still projecting losses. The rail system is expected to reach financial breakeven in 2026, coinciding with the planned launch of freight operations in July of that year.

An additional 48 billion pesos ($2.86 billion) has been budgeted to develop cargo rail infrastructure, including a connection to the Interoceanic Corridor of the Istmo de Tehuantepec.

Related Developments

• Seven hotels along the Maya Train route will reportedly receive subsidies until 2027.
• The military will also operate a separate passenger rail line to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).

The Maya Train remains a focal point of Mexico’s transportation modernization efforts, though its financial sustainability continues to rely heavily on public funding.