Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – The Government of Jalisco, under Governor Enrique Alfaro Ramírez, has intensified efforts to modernize the public transport system in Puerto Vallarta, aiming to provide a fleet that matches the city’s growing tourism industry and local needs. As part of this initiative, 93 new buses were delivered this week, further enhancing the fleet and contributing to a larger goal of fleet renewal for the city.
During a recent working tour, Governor Alfaro highlighted the significant strides made in Puerto Vallarta’s public transportation sector over the past six years. He announced that an additional 100 million pesos will be allocated by the next administration to complete the transformation of the transportation system, which now ranks among the best in Mexico for a tourist destination.
Transportation Overhaul in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta’s transportation system has undergone a substantial upgrade, with the delivery of new buses and the renewal of its taxi fleet. A key aspect of this initiative was the introduction of 93 buses, adding to the 25 units delivered earlier this year, making a total of 118 new buses introduced to the city in 2024. The combined investment for these new units is 73.9 million pesos from the State Government, supplemented by a private investment of 277.5 million pesos, resulting in a total investment of over 351 million pesos in modernizing Puerto Vallarta’s public transport.
Governor Alfaro emphasized that the transportation sector in Puerto Vallarta had long been neglected due to years of corruption and mismanagement, but recent efforts have significantly improved the quality of service. He also pointed out that the goal is to ensure that public transport meets international standards and serves both tourists and residents effectively.
Taxi Fleet Revamp and Future Plans
Alongside the buses, 355 cards granting legal-administrative certainty to taxi owners were distributed. This ensures that the taxi fleet operates efficiently and aligns with environmental goals. An additional 20 million pesos was allocated to aid the renewal of taxis, with a special focus on replacing older Tsuru models. Each taxi will receive non-refundable support of 67,000 pesos for fleet modernization.
Secretary of Transportation Diego Monraz praised Puerto Vallarta’s taxi union for being one of the most efficient in Mexico, citing its positive relationships with both the public and the authorities. The delivery of 355 cards, which Monraz described as a “family heritage,” guarantees a secure source of income for the taxi drivers, who can pass these cards on to future generations.
During his speech, Pablo Lemus, Governor-elect of Jalisco, confirmed his administration’s continued support for modernizing the city’s transportation system. Lemus announced that the financial commitment to renewing taxis would be expanded to 35 million pesos. He also outlined future plans to introduce electric vehicles as part of the city’s taxi fleet, with air conditioning and sustainable technology being a priority.
Sustainable and Accessible Transport
The new buses, which include 76 One Step units and 17 conventional Mercedes Benz units, are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The One Step units are natural gas-powered and feature low floors to enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. The government estimates that these new buses will significantly reduce the city’s carbon emissions by 23,000 tons of CO2 annually.
Furthermore, the buses come with electronic payment systems, enabling users to pay via the Mi Movilidad card. This card is part of a unified payment system that can be used on all public transport throughout Jalisco’s major cities.
