Three more cars of the Train Maya successfully reached Cancun on Sunday, July 10, following their departure from Ciudad Sahagún, Hidalgo. This marked an important milestone in the journey of the Train Maya project, as the arrival of these additional cars brings us closer to the realization of an efficient and comprehensive railway system in the region.
The first car of the Train Maya arrived in Cancun on Saturday, July 9. The first car arrived at the workshops around two in the afternoon, flagged by the Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, and the Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
The Maya Train is the new rail service that will connect the main cities of the Caribbean and the Yucatan Peninsula. Its goal is to strengthen the tourism industry, boost the economy, and allow the transportation of cargo and passengers.
What does the interior of the Maya train look like?
Andrés Manuel López Obrador, President of Mexico, reported on July 8, 2023, through his official Twitter account that the first car of the Maya Train, which will be part of the “Xiinbal” line, had arrived in Cancun, Quintana Roo, and shared a video showing the interior of this rail transport:
- On the outside, the bold green and white colors stand out, referring to the colors of the forest
- The train that arrived is a “standard train” with two seats and ample space.
- It is printed with the jaguar, a very important symbol in Mayan culture.
- It has space for suitcases, bicycles, etc.
- The cart will have “natural wood” in some parts of its interior.
The first car that arrived in Cancun is made of 72 percent national material and was 100 percent manufactured in Mexico. It was also confirmed that it will be equipped with technological connections such as screens and panoramic windows to help passengers better enjoy the ride. The tourist class will have amenities such as a cafeteria, cabins to store luggage, and even bicycles.
The three categories that the Maya Train will offer are: Xiinbal, Janal and P’atal, and will travel through the states of Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. The route is 1,554 kilometers long and passes through 40 municipalities and 181 towns.
When will the Maya train start operating?
The first thing to know is that the Maya Train will have 20 stations and 14 stops, there will be 42 trains with 219 cars, six garages, and three workshops for housing, repairs, and maintenance, and there will also be eight track maintenance bases. The trains will be used to transport passengers, tourists, and freight.
- Short trains: they will have four carriages and a capacity for 230 passengers and will be 98.5 meters long.
- Long trains: they will have seven wagons for 450 passengers and will be 169 meters long.
It is expected that the Maya train will begin operation in December 2023. Supervised tests will be conducted in July and September to ensure that everything is running well and to be able to fix any malfunctions that may occur.