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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Around 2016, my editors kindly published an article of mine that addressed the differences in service quality between buses and airplanes in Mexico, highlighting the strengths of the former.

Well, dear reader, guess what? Nothing has changed!

Allow me to elaborate for you:

How is it possible, I wonder, that two historically linked transportation operators, Primera Plus and Viva Aerobus, exhibit such different behaviors in terms of service quality? And no, I’m not referring to the actual services they provide, which can vary greatly depending on their service model, but to how they provide them.

As I’ve made clear in my writings, I am very demanding, critical, and you could even say picky, although always respectful and objective regarding my transportation experiences. However, I must acknowledge that for years I have associated Primera Plus with the word “satisfaction,” which extends to the bus terminals they operate in. In my most recent trips with them, I found nothing significant to point out as an area for improvement. Beyond the comfort and cleanliness of the seats, the space between them, the entertainment system, and the security controls for boarding, it was the staff’s treatment and facilitation of my journey that prompted me to write this note.

If Primera Plus has first-rate staff, why is it not the same for the airline it promotes, which I can no longer associate with anything other than discomfort?

Is it basic marketing psychology? Maybe!

Did I just get lucky with the bus and terminals, but not with the plane and airports? It’s possible, but I doubt it since I am usually very perceptive about service quality, especially in transportation.

Let’s not forget that evaluating service quality from a customer’s perspective involves not only hard data like punctuality but also the attitudes and performance of service providers. For instance, the ticket seller at Primera Plus in the North Bus Terminal in Mexico City, despite my rush, gave me my ticket with a smile and without any hassle, efficiently directing me to the bus. This experience was repeated in Querétaro on my return trip, contrasting sharply with the inefficiencies and obstacles posed by airline staff during my recent travels through Mexico City and Monterrey airports.

In conclusion, I must reaffirm: Long live the bus!

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