Riding Tren Maya, Mexico’s Controversial New Train

On December 15th, 2023, the brand new intercity railway in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula opened. First announced by President Lopez Obrador in 2018, this new railway is now partially open - but it has been anything but smooth. Tren Maya is a source of much controversy, because it neglects and even destroys ancient burial grounds, archaeological sites, the rainforest, and important water sources. Find out what it is like to ride this new train, why some people are happy with it, and why some are not. Trains Are Awesome! Buy Trains Are Awesome Merch: Support us on Patreon: Our Instagram: Date of filming: December 21, 2023 Camera: iPhone 14 The Music in this video comes from the YouTube Audio Library. Specifically, I searched for tracks using the terms: “Maya” and “Yucatán” Tren Maya tickets: Timetable: Sites used for research: Chapters 0:00 Introduction 0:22 Welcome to Cancun 0:57 Cancun Airport Station 1:34 Tren Maya: the Basics 2:30 Buying tickets 3:36 Alstom X’trapolis 4:06 Boarding the train 6:05 Departing Cancun 7:51 Seat Review and interior tour 9:37 Toilet and Cafe 10:02 Rushed Construction 11:42 Environmental Issues: Rainforest Destruction 13:14 Environmental Issues: Threatened Water 14:00 Cultural Issues: Archaeological Destruction 15:49 Evictions 16:19 Arriving at Mérida 17:27 The Train Departs 18:38 Mérida Teya station 19:56 Electric Buses 20:38 Mérida 22:02 The Return Trip, Final Thoughts