Introduction to Mexico’s Rail Passenger Services
Mexico’s rail passenger transportation, primarily led by the Suburban Train, has expanded with the introduction of the Mexico-Toluca train and the Maya Train. However, it remains far from pre-COVID-19 passenger volumes.
Passenger Data from January to May 2025
According to the latest data from Mexico’s Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT), 22.514 million passengers were transported by train between January and May 2025, marking a 9.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In the corresponding months of 2019, 23.578 million passengers were recorded when the Suburban Train held a 100% market share.
Distribution of Passengers Among Rail Services
- 82.4% (18.55 million) on the Suburban Train between Buenavista, Mexico City, and Cuautitlán, Estado de México
- 15% (3.38 million) on the Mexico-Toluca Train from Zinacantepec, Estado de México, to Santa Fe, Mexico City
- 2.2% (0.498 million) on the Maya Train covering Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo
The remaining 0.4% of the market share is divided among other rail services, including Chepe Express, Interoceanic Corridor (Coatzacoalcos-Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos-Pakal Ná routes), and the Tijuana-Tecate Tourist Train.
Reasons for Suburban Train’s Passenger Decline
The decline in Suburban Train passengers post-COVID-19 crisis can be attributed to remote work, increased motorcycle usage, and the rise of ride-hailing apps. However, expectations are high for a rebound once the Lechería to AIFA (Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles) segment begins operations.
Government’s Commitment to Rail Development
To sustain rail passenger transportation development during the current administration, President Claudia Sheinbaum has committed to constructing 3,000 km of new rail lines for passengers, including Mexico-Nogales and Mexico-Nuevo Laredo routes.
Puebla authorities also aim to restart the capital-Cholula train, extending it to Atlixco, despite high operational costs that led to its closure in December 2021.
Performance of Specific Rail Services
According to SICT figures, the Suburban Train saw a 2.8% reduction in passengers from 2024, totaling over 500,000 users. Meanwhile, the Mexico-Toluca and Maya Train services grew by 183.7% and 172.4%, respectively.
Despite the growth in both services, overall rail passenger traffic has not yet reached its peak. Nonetheless, there is optimism that all segments will eventually benefit the population.
Maya Train’s Current Status
The tourism-oriented Maya Train, operated by Director Óscar David Lozano Águila since late 2023, has served 1.54 million passengers. He aims to reach daily capacities of 8,000 passengers and eventually 13,000, as planned.
However, average daily passenger numbers from the first five months of 2025 range between 2,843 and 3,831.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of rail passenger traffic in Mexico? Rail passenger traffic has increased by 9.5% from January to May 2025, but it remains below pre-pandemic levels.
- Which rail services have seen growth? The Mexico-Toluca and Maya Train services have experienced significant growth of 183.7% and 172.4%, respectively.
- Why has the Suburban Train seen a passenger decline? The decline is attributed to remote work, increased motorcycle usage, and the rise of ride-hailing apps.
- What are the government’s plans for rail development? The administration aims to construct 3,000 km of new passenger rail lines, including Mexico-Nogales and Mexico-Nuevo Laredo routes.
- What is the current status of the Maya Train? The Maya Train has served 1.54 million passengers since late 2023, with plans to reach daily capacities of 8,000 and eventually 13,000.
