An Alstom-led consortium was selected in 2021 to supply 42 X’trapolis trainsets (219 cars) and railway systems for the 1,525-kilometer (947-mile) Tren Maya (Mayan Train) project on the Yucatan peninsula.
The $1.45 billion (€1.3 billion) order includes not only a long-distance sleeper configuration (three P’atal trains), but also a flexible standard service set-up (31 Xiinbal trains) and an arrangement prioritizing restaurant cars (eight Janal trains). The P’atals offer reclining seats, as well as multi-functional cabins, which “provide ideal spaces for working, relaxing, and eating” during the day and “comfortable single bunks” at night, according to Alstom, part of the consortium with Bombardier Transportation México (since acquired by Alstom), Gami Ingeniería e Instalaciones, and Construcciones Urales Procesos Industriales, which is responsible for the Tren Maya project’s full signaling system including the design, supply and installation of ETCS Level 1 onboard systems and trackside equipment including ETCS, interlockings, traffic management, and telecommunications systems; and the construction of maintenance workshops and depots and the after-sales service of the system’s equipment. The first trains in the order to be delivered were Xiinbals; they began arriving in 2023.
With capacity to accommodate 260 passengers, the new long distance train includes 238 standard seats, four specific spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, and 18 seats distributed in its nine cabins. “This configuration improves the capacity of the previous standard model by 17%, providing more space and a more inclusive and comfortable experience for all travelers,” reported Alstom, which said it will conduct static and dynamic evaluations of the train to ensure that it “meets all required standards.”
“The delivery of this long-distance train marks a historic moment for mobility in Mexico, as it is the first of its kind in the country, developed specifically for Tren Maya,” Alstom said. “This development not only represents a significant modernization of the Mexican passenger rail network, but is also a testament to Alstom’s commitment to Mexican manufacturing, innovation and cutting-edge technology … More than 4,500 direct workers have participated in this ambitious project, devoting thousands of hours of work over 1,209 days since the signing of the contract.”
Commented Alstom Mexico Managing Director Maite Ramos Gómez, one of Railway Age’s Women in Rail award honorees for 2023: “We are creating a milestone in Mexico’s mobility with the Tren Maya, a project that reflects Alstom’s ability to lead the future of transportation.”
According to the Riviera Maya News, a new P’atal railcar “was inaugurated [on on Sept. 20] with a trip from Cancun to Merida.” The media outlet reported that this “is the first time a long distance train has been put into operation since the Tren Maya began making daytrips earlier this year.” The railcar, it said, “was filled with government dignitaries who accompanied President López Obrador on what was his last trip as president.” Also on board was President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum.
“Up until now, the trains used have been the Xiinbal Tren Maya cars meant for non-overnight travel,” Riviera Maya News reported. “Authorities have not said if the overnight trains will put into full operation any time soon. Earlier this week [Sept. 19], the Maya Train station in Felipe Carrillo Puerto began operating. That station is now connected with other Quintana Roo stations including Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Cancun.”
Further Reading:
- Dates Set for Mayan Train Completion
- Mexico’s Next President Continues Passenger Train Revival
- Mayan Train Full Opening Delayed to Late August
- Next Section of Mexico’s Mayan Train Opens
- Report: Tren Maya Inauguration Pushed to June
- Mayan Train Extended to Palenque
- Mexican President Opens First Section of Mayan Train
- First Section of Mayan Train to Open Dec. 15
