Published on
August 28, 2025
Public transport between Tulum and Playa del Carmen is experiencing a significant drop in ridership, with daily passengers falling by over 50%. This sharp decline, according to local transport operators, signals a major economic challenge for the region.
In recent years, the two destinations have been popular for both locals and tourists who rely on collective buses, also known as “vans,” as an affordable and reliable transportation option. However, the daily ridership has decreased drastically from 70,000 passengers last year to just 30,000-35,000 currently.
The Impact of Falling Tourism Numbers
The decline in tourism is cited as the primary factor behind this slump. Moisés Pool Quijano, the general secretary of the National Union of Transporters of Change (UNTRAC) in Tulum, explained that fewer tourists are visiting the region, affecting the daily ridership of these transport services. Factors such as security concerns, the overwhelming presence of sargassum on beaches, and a newly introduced entry fee for Jaguar Park (which now includes beach access) are among the reasons behind this decline.
With fewer people relying on the collective buses, transport unions have been forced to reduce daily fees for operators. However, despite this effort, operating costs such as fuel and unit maintenance remain high, making it difficult for transport businesses to stay profitable.
Rising Concerns Among Local Transport Operators
Union representatives are worried about the severe economic effects this decline in ridership has brought. The drop in revenue is straining local companies dependent on tourism. As Quijano reports, unions had no choice but to slash operator fee payments by 200 pesos daily to mitigate some costs, but the economy continues to struggle. Costs to operate are steep, and there are significant losses in revenue.
Besides affecting local transportation, the Riviera Maya’s wider transportation sector is also experiencing difficulties. Lourdes Jiménez Rojo, the commercial manager for ADO Mobility in the Riviera Maya, shared that the number of passengers traveling to and from Tulum International Airport during the summer season fell by 20-30% compared to the same period in 2024. Initial projections for the season in Tulum were not met, with the region struggling to match visitor numbers that were once expected.
Airlines and Travel Routes Cutting Back
The challenges facing the tourism industry go beyond ground transport. There has been major cutbacks to the airlines servicing the area as well. U.S. carriers American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United have all drastically scaled back their winter schedules. This is most apparent on the routes from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, Charlotte, Chicago, and New York. Furthermore, Discover Airlines, the German subsidiary of Lufthansa, canceled its planned direct service from Frankfurt to Tulum, which was supposed to start this winter season.
This situation highlights the economic uncertainty surrounding the tourism industry in the Riviera Maya and the challenges it presents for both local businesses and residents who depend on tourism for their livelihood. The continued decline in tourism and flights further affects the region’s public transport sector.
Public Vans Face Declining Demand
The region’s public vans, which serve both locals and tourists, stand out as a defining feature of the region’s low-cost public transport system. A ride is reasonably priced at 60 pesos, making it a convenient choice for the locals. However, the number of tourists traveling to Tulum and Playa del Carmen has significantly decreased, leading to a considerable decline in the public transport services’ demand.
These vans are an essential part of the transportation network in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and surrounding areas like Cancún and Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Declining ridership directly impacts the operators who rely on consistent traffic for their daily earnings.
Key Factors Contributing to the Tourism Drop
The decline in tourism can be attributed to several factors. The overwhelming amount of sargassum that has washed up on local beaches this year has made the area less attractive to tourists. Tourists typically visit the area for its pristine beaches, and the presence of sargassum has deterred many.
Moreover, safety issues have impacted the region’s arrivals. Increased safety concerns in some areas within Mexico, have, for instance, made travelers look for other places. This, in turn, has increased the total number of arrivals to the region.
Another factor that may have deterred tourists is the Jaguar Park entry fee. With this new fee now covering beach access as well, it has added an additional cost burden on tourists looking for a more affordable experience in the region.
A Future Outlook for Public Transport
Looking ahead, transportation in the region may face even more challenges. While transport unions have been working to mitigate costs for operators, the overall situation is unlikely to improve without a rebound in tourism. For public transport to regain stability, Tulum and Playa del Carmen need to see improvements in tourist arrivals, as well as clearer solutions to the environmental and safety challenges affecting the area.
The Bigger Picture for the Riviera Maya
Within the scope of the Riviera Maya’s tourism crisis, public transportation has been particularly impacted; this exemplifies the interdependence of the tourism sector. While international flight access to the region decreases, local transport services simultaneously contend with dwindling passenger numbers. Without appropriate actions to encourage tourism and tackle local concerns, this region could suffer from adverse economic effects in the long run.
In conclusion, Tulum and Playa del Carmen’s public transportation crisis is a reflection of the broader economic downturn in the region. While efforts to reduce costs for transport operators have been implemented, a sustained recovery in tourism is essential to reversing the trend.
