Despite the project to reactivate the Mexico-Veracruz passenger train still being an initiative, there is a lack of information among the population, who are uncertain about the cost and the poor infrastructure of the region’s railways.
El Sol de Orizaba conducted a survey in Apolinar Castillo Park in the city center. Rogelio Villanueva, a retired worker from a local brewery, mentioned that this initiative seems good, as long as travel costs are lower than bus fares or if the project is focused on tourism, ensuring access for all economic sectors.
“In my childhood, I traveled by train, and it would be nice for my grandchildren to do so, but it’s just a project by the president. We don’t know if it will happen next year during her six-year term, and we also need to see how much it will cost the people,” he said.
Mariana García, a housewife and employee of a communications company, recalled traveling by train to the port of Veracruz during her adolescence and would like her three children, the youngest being 10 years old, to experience it.
“It could be a boost for the economy of small towns where there are still railways, but they would need to be repaired. I don’t know the conditions of the tracks in other places, but here in the region, they are not ideal.”
What Do Young People Think About the Return of the Mexico-Veracruz Passenger Train?
At 19 years old, Verónica Xalamihua sees the arrival of a passenger train with optimism and savings, but she is not well-informed about the topic. “I read on social media that Sheinbaum is looking to reactivate it, but it’s something that is just being considered. We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves. My generation and I would like to travel by train.”
Although this is just a project idea proposed by Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of the Republic, during her inauguration speech on October 1 of this year, no further details were provided. However, various opinions have emerged from the tourism and business sectors.
Nora Campos, a housewife, commented that if the Veracruz-Mexico passenger train is reactivated, it would bring nostalgia for those who traveled with their parents and grandparents during their childhood.
“I would love for the train to be resumed. As a child, I used to travel with my family, and it was super entertaining and beautiful to see the landscapes. The journey was an adventure, especially at night. It would be fabulous, but I hope the authorities can guarantee passenger safety because we know terrible things happen in Veracruz, and the authorities pretend nothing is happening, but we know that’s not true,” she emphasized.
So far, the State government has not provided more details on the matter. However, in the high mountain area, the Railway Workers Union, Section 20 of Orizaba, mentioned that this could generate at least two more jobs for the area.
The business sector, such as the National Chamber of Commerce, is willing to engage in dialogue to support the city’s economic boost. Meanwhile, travel agencies in Orizaba are seeking an approach with Sheinbaum Pardo, as the train’s reactivation would represent an additional factor for attracting foreign visitors. However, both sectors seek to learn more about the initiative and its budget.
Source: El Sol de Orizaba
