ADO to Invest US$110 Million in New Buses to Tackle Slow Growth

Passenger transport company ADO has announced an investment of over MX$2 billion (US$110 million) to renew its premium long-distance bus services, Platino and GL, with the addition of 303 new units. The strategy aims to counter slowing market growth and rising competition from digital platforms and low-cost operators.

“It has been a challenging year, and we are not the exception—it is a widespread issue across the industry. With these innovations, we want people to leave their cars behind and discover a different kind of travel—one that makes us their top choice,” said Aldo Alarcón, General Director of Transport for Mexico and Latin America, Mobility ADO.

The investment includes 83 new buses for ADO Platino and 220 units for ADO GL, to be deployed throughout 2025. Together, the services are expected to transport over 3 million passengers annually, connecting more than 50 destinations in central and southern Mexico from over 70 terminals.

According to ADO, the upgraded fleet will serve high-demand routes including Mexico City to Oaxaca, Villahermosa, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Tampico, Merida, and Cancun. The rollout will begin in July 2025 on the Mexico City–Veracruz route and expand to 10 states by December.

Interior redesigns prioritize passenger comfort for long-distance trips exceeding 600 km or lasting more than seven hours. The GL buses, built by Scania, now offer 36 seats instead of 40, each with an individual entertainment screen. Platino buses have been reduced from 27 to 23 seats, featuring reclining screens, three-point seatbelts, and expanded personal space.

“This is our version of a first-class airline seat. We call it ‘luxury mode.’ It is tailored for a niche that values a personalized, comprehensive travel experience,” said Alarcón.

The company’s strategy highlights comfort and safety as key value-added features—an approach aligned with broader trends in air travel, retail, and entertainment, where consumers increasingly seek personalization and enhanced experiences.

ADO also positioned the initiative as part of its longstanding mission to prioritize passengers. “Since 1939, we have worked to deliver transportation solutions that meet real needs. Now, we reaffirm that commitment with a fleet incorporating cutting-edge technology, advanced safety features, and elevated comfort—aligned with the modern Mexico we aim to support,” Alarcón added.