Public transportation in Mérida was a recurring theme in 2025, marked by adjustments, tight budgets, and constant user complaints. In this context, the director of the Yucatán Transportation Agency, Jacinto Sosa, indicated that the Va y Ven system is launching this year with the promise of a change of course.
The state official assures that 2026 began with a greater willingness to engage in dialogue and a readiness to correct mistakes. He acknowledges that the outlook remains complex, but is confident that new negotiations with concession holders and adjustments to the financial model will allow them to sustain the service without repeating past problems.
He noted that after operating at a loss for months, the agency managed to stay afloat thanks to extraordinary support from the State Government. This support allowed them to put together a budget that guarantees operations throughout 2026.
However, Sosa warns that the real change lies not only in public funds, but also in the payment model for concession holders. Currently, they are paid a guaranteed minimum, regardless of whether they actually travel that distance.
“The intention is to move from a guaranteed minimum kilometer to a guaranteed kilometer traveled. We are currently working with the concessionaires on this,” he said, adding that this will reduce expenses and make the system more efficient.
He stated that one of the main objectives for this year is to increase the system’s operational level. Currently, coverage is around 77%, but the goal is to reach up to 92% in the urban area. To achieve this, it will be necessary to reinforce fleets, improve frequencies, and prevent buses from departing incomplete or outside of scheduled times.
The initial focus remains on Mérida, Umán, and Kanasín, where the highest demand is concentrated. Although there is interest in expanding the system to other municipalities, studies must first be conducted to ensure that the financial model is viable and does not generate new losses.
Following the opening of a new route at the end of last year, the agency already has updated diagnostics and studies on the system’s operation. According to Sosa, all routes are currently operating with full fleets.
Looking ahead to the coming months, the director indicated that they anticipate a positive outlook for expansion. “Good things are coming, give us the opportunity, it will be a pleasant surprise,” concluded the head of the Yucatán Transportation Agency.
Source: posta
