State moves to take over public transit in Cancún and three other cities

The Quintana Roo state government is moving forward with a process to take over the management of public transit in four municipalities—Benito Juárez (Cancún), Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen), Othón P. Blanco (Chetumal) and Isla Mujeres—under a new scheme called MOBI, the Quintana Roo Well-being Mobility System.

According to information released by state authorities, an agreement published in the State's Official Gazette marks the start of work to design metropolitan mobility programs in those areas. The move is a preliminary administrative step: it does not yet imply final approval or the launch of service, but rather the formal beginning of planning.

MOBI is projected to operate an integrated bus network with estimated coverage for just over 1.5 million residents. Features authorities have outlined include modern units, digital payment, affordable fares, organized routes and set schedules, replacing the current model based on concessions to private operators.

What it means for Cancún riders: the city's urban transit currently relies on concessioned buses, with frequent complaints about poor vehicle conditions, unclear routes and a lack of schedules. The state proposal seeks to centralize operations to make the service more predictable. Still, the official timeline is gradual: in Playa del Carmen, for example, the state Mobility Institute (Imoveqroo) estimated that 70 to 80 units will be needed just to launch the first three routes in early 2027, according to technical studies completed in July.

What to do if you rely on public transit: for now, service in Cancún continues unchanged with current routes and fares. It is worth following official notices from the Mobility Institute to learn when and how new routes would roll out, and where to check the map and fares once MOBI begins operating. Questions and complaints about the concessioned service can be directed to Imoveqroo offices in each municipality.