Cancun, Q.R. — The general director of the National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism (Fonatur) has presented details of the Maya Train after awarding Bombardier Transportation México S.A. de C.V the project tender on Thursday.
On Friday, Fonatur head Rogelio Jiménez Pons presented the results of the tender for rolling stock and rail systems of the Maya Train project. During his presentation, he explained that the project will consist of three different trains with designs inspired by the traditions of the Yucatan Peninsula, roots of the region and with Mayan names.
The standard train will be called Xiinbal, which means walking, the restaurant train will be named Janal, which means to eat and the long distance train will be P’atal, which is stay.
Xiinbal will offer regular passenger service, connecting people to the southeast in comfort. Xiinbal will be outfitted with a digital environment with WiFi and plugs in each seat. It will offer seats with a headrest and footrest as well as a folding table and a Cafeteria Car with a meeting space.
Janal (Eating), is the restaurant service train inspired by aquatic landscapes and the work of Mexican architect, Luis Barragán. This train will have a four-person seating configuration to allow friends and family members to gather around a dining table.
And P’atal (Stay) or Long Distance Service will allow passengers to travel in reclining seats with panoramic views or sleeping cabins outfitted with private showers. Jiménez Pons says these cars will offer the same level as that of a hotel room.
During his presentation, Jiménez Pons added that there will be space for suitcases and a bicycle for those who need. It is expected that during the first years of operation, which will start in 2023, there will be departures from Cancun every 15 minutes.
After winning the tender, Bombardier Transportation México S.A. de C.V will be responsible for the construction of the 42 cars that are to be produced at the Ciudad Sahagún, Hidalgo plant which will create hundreds of local jobs.
