TULUM, México – Navigating through Tulum has long been a challenge for locals and tourists alike, especially in the town’s rapidly growing urban center. Public transportation options have been sparse, forcing many to rely on taxis, which have become the de facto mode of transportation despite a legal alternative, Uber, existing in the area. However, the introduction of a new public transportation option—golf carts—aims to alleviate these issues and offer a more eco-friendly, accessible way to get around town.
The Mobility Institute of Quintana Roo (Imoveqroo) recently announced the approval of 400 golf carts for public use in Tulum’s downtown area. The initiative is a direct response to the town’s explosive growth in both tourism and residential development. With Tulum now receiving over two million visitors annually and its population having soared from just 18,000 in 2010 to nearly 50,000 by 2020, transportation infrastructure has struggled to keep pace.
Imoveqroo’s decision, documented in the Official State Gazette on August 15, highlights how vital new transport options have become in Tulum. As noted by Novedades Quintana Roo, “there is no adequate service in the center of town, so tourists, especially, have to travel by taxi.” While Uber has a presence in Quintana Roo, including Tulum, local taxi unions have created tensions that have made ride-hailing apps unpredictable and risky for some visitors.
Currently, other forms of public transportation—such as combis and colectivos—exist but are mostly used for trips outside of the downtown area. With the introduction of golf carts, officials hope to fill the gap for those needing convenient transport in the heart of the town. The carts will seat between two and six passengers and come in various forms: some will be operated by professional drivers, while others will be available for rent, giving tourists and locals the option to drive themselves around town.
One of the key appeals of the golf cart system is its environmental consideration. Imoveqroo has specified that all carts must be “environmentally friendly,” which includes gasoline-powered, electric, and hybrid models. The carts themselves must also be no older than five years. This sustainability focus aligns with Tulum’s broader emphasis on eco-conscious tourism and development, as evidenced by the town’s luxury eco-resorts and the Jaguar National Park, a significant conservation effort in the region.
The push for golf carts also comes at a time when Tulum is seeing a flurry of infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering its status as a top global tourist destination. Among these projects is the new Maya Train station, which will link Tulum to other major cities in the Yucatán Peninsula, and the development of a new international airport. These large-scale undertakings signal a broader shift in the town’s trajectory from a once-quiet beachside escape to a bustling urban hub.
As for the logistics of the new golf cart transportation system, Imoveqroo has opened a tender process for operators interested in running the service. Entrepreneurs with the requisite legal, administrative, technical, and financial capabilities have until September 19 to submit their applications. The winning bids will be announced later this year, and it’s expected that the new fleet of golf carts will hit Tulum’s streets shortly afterward.
While the plan doesn’t yet specify rental costs or fares, the hope is that the new system will provide a much-needed alternative for residents and tourists alike. Currently, the use of golf carts will be restricted to the downtown area, primarily serving as a bridge between the urban core and the coastal and tourist zones. This localized approach is intended to complement other forms of transportation available in the region, ensuring a more comprehensive transit network for Tulum’s growing population.
The introduction of golf carts is seen as a practical and sustainable solution to a pressing issue. As Tulum continues to evolve, the need for innovative and adaptable solutions to its growing pains becomes ever more apparent. The town’s rapid transformation from a small, laid-back destination to a global hotspot has brought both opportunities and challenges. Addressing the latter—such as transportation—is essential to ensuring that Tulum remains not only a desirable place to visit but also a livable community for its residents.
With the upcoming selection of operators, Tulum is set to take its first steps toward modernizing its transportation system, while also keeping an eye on sustainability and local needs. For now, the town awaits the arrival of its new fleet of golf carts, which, if all goes according to plan, could soon be a staple on its streets, providing a greener, more accessible way to experience everything that Tulum has to offer.
