Related Articles
-Editorial
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo led the inauguration and ceremonial flag presentation for the Marinabús, a new maritime transport system in Acapulco connecting Puerto Marqués with the Zócalo. The initiative, operated by the Mexican Navy, aims to provide a fast, safe, and environmentally sustainable transportation option for thousands of daily commuters while strengthening tourism and the local economy.
Speaking at the Jardín del Puerto dock, Sheinbaum emphasized the project as a symbol of Acapulco’s resilience and recovery following the devastation caused by hurricanes Otis and John. “Acapulco is standing tall. Its recovery sends a message of hope to the entire country. No disaster is stronger than the will of a people united with their government,” Sheinbaum said. She described the Marinabús as more than a transportation system, calling it “a symbol of reconstruction, hope, and the future we are building together in Acapulco.”
During the event, Sheinbaum presented the National Flag to the Marinabús commander and supervised the Administration of the National Port System (ASIPONA) in Acapulco, announcing that 10 percent of the port’s infrastructure would undergo rehabilitation while 90 percent would remain unchanged. Officials noted that the Marinabús will operate in a space that had been inactive for 14 years, benefiting both the ecological and tourist areas of the bay.
The vessel measures 25 meters in length, 7 meters in width, and can accommodate up to 80 passengers with a maximum speed of 12 knots (22 km/h). It will operate with 11 crew members, providing regular service between Puerto Marqués and the Zócalo, enhancing connectivity for residents and tourists alike.
The Marinabús is part of the broader “Acapulco se Transforma Contigo” program, which has driven recovery efforts across the city over the past 11 months. Actions include the reconstruction of more than 250,000 homes, repairs to schools, hospitals, and health clinics, dredging and reinforcement of rivers and streams to prevent flooding, and improvements to water supply infrastructure including the Papagayo II aqueduct and three radial wells. The program has also focused on road and bridge repairs, public space enhancements such as pedestrian trails, and the establishment of new waste recycling facilities.
Tourism and public safety initiatives have also been central to the city’s rehabilitation. Sheinbaum highlighted ongoing efforts to promote Acapulco as a safe and attractive destination, including new beach and street cleaning programs, investment incentives, and improvements to hospitals and public services. Officials say these measures, combined with the introduction of the Marinabús, are expected to stimulate economic activity and improve the quality of life for residents.
Following the ceremony, Sheinbaum boarded the Marinabús with local officials and received ticket number 001 for the inaugural trip along the bay, marking the start of a service officials hope will become a daily fixture for both residents and visitors.
The project represents a key milestone in the city’s ongoing recovery and modernization efforts, combining improved urban mobility with tourism development and environmental conservation, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to rebuilding Acapulco as a resilient and prosperous port city.