Road safety , modernization of the vehicle fleet , and logistical preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are emerging as some of the issues that will shape the agenda for passenger and tourism transport in Mexico in the short and long term.
That was the prevailing tone during the inauguration of Expo Foro Movilidad 2026 , the most important meeting of the sector in Latin America, organized by the National Chamber of Passenger and Tourism Transportation (Canapat) , where authorities and representatives of the industry agreed that passenger transport is facing a moment of technological, regulatory and operational transformation.
The business sector emphasized that mobility is not just about moving people, but is a central component of the country’s competitiveness. In this context, it was highlighted that passenger road transport contributes approximately 2% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for nearly 94% of passenger transport in the country , underscoring its importance to the national economy.
Under this scenario, industrialists pointed out that efficient mobility is essential for the functioning of production chains and the attraction of investments, by facilitating the movement of workers and the connection between urban centers, tourist destinations and industrial zones.
During his participation, Alejandro Malagón Barragán, president of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin) , highlighted that passenger transport is a key component for the economic development and territorial integration of the country.
Mobility, he stated, not only transports people, but also talent, productivity and opportunities, by allowing workers, tourists and communities to connect with economic activities and services.
However, along with its economic importance, the sector also faces structural challenges , including road safety, the presence of irregular transport, and the need to accelerate fleet renewal towards more efficient and sustainable technologies.
The sector itself acknowledged that modernizing the vehicle fleet is a priority to improve competitiveness, reduce polluting emissions, and raise safety standards in service.
In that regard, Luis Antonio Zaldívar Sánchez, president of Canapat, pointed out that the industry is working on modernizing units, professionalizing the sector, and improving regulations, with the goal of strengthening transportation operations in the country.
One of the factors that could accelerate these changes is the 2026 World Cup , an event for which Mexico is preparing as an international showcase in terms of mobility.
The passenger transport sector will play a central role in the logistics of the tournament , connecting airports, terminals, hotels, stadiums and tourist destinations for millions of domestic and foreign visitors.
In addition to that challenge, federal authorities highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional coordination to improve road safety, digitize procedures, and modernize transportation-related infrastructure.
Emphasis was also placed on the role of technology, intelligent fleet management, and the transition to cleaner vehicles as elements that will shape the future of passenger transport in the country.
With more than 650 affiliated companies and around 50,000 vehicles in operation , passenger and tourism transport maintains a central role in national connectivity and tourism activity.
In this context, Expo Foro Movilidad 2026 seeks to be a space to discuss technological innovation, sustainability, safety and new mobility models that will mark the evolution of the sector in the coming years.
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