HSTs in Mexico - news and progress updates

[43096]

Indeed, apologies, i couldn’t see the EC cab windows at first. We really do need to create a list of what has become what, it’s not easy given they seem to have reverted to these FIT numbers.

I understand there is a complete list of FIT numbers allocated so far that will be published in the next 125 Group members’ magazine.

 

[RUK]

I’ve just seen a video on Reddit of the crashed HST, FIT3009, in motion after the accident, still pulling the rest of the train, which shows the damage to the cab from the right-hand side, which is the side the impact was from, from several angles.

The caption on the video says that it “is back underway with only a minor delay” - I’m not sure if that means that it carried on in passenger service. It’s not travelling very fast - it looks to me to be a few times faster than walking pace.

I’m not sure if I can make out if there are passengers in the carriages or not. There appear to be at least 2 people standing in the cab of FIT3009.

Both cab doors are open on FIT3009. Another Class 43, FIT3010, is on the back, with the cab door nearest to the camera open. https://www.reddit.com/r/uktrains/s/1Pwoiu967U

 

[Daniel_P]

Hi. I'm planning a trip to Mexico in late August / early Sept, including riding both Line Z and FA. However, schedules don't seem to be on the website beyond the end of August. Does anyone know when they're uploaded for the next month, please?

Also, for those of you who have been out there already, Coatzacoalcos station seems to be quite a way from the hotels. Are there local buses? I couldn't find anything from a search online.

TIA all.

 

[superalbs]

Hi. I'm planning a trip to Mexico in late August / early Sept, including riding both Line Z and FA. However, schedules don't seem to be on the website beyond the end of August. Does anyone know when they're uploaded for the next month, please?

Also, for those of you who have been out there already, Coatzacoalcos station seems to be quite a way from the hotels. Are there local buses? I couldn't find anything from a search online.

TIA all.

Sometimes they go on sale just a week before, or maybe even less.

You can get a taxi in Coatzacoalcos, best to organise this with your hotel.

 

[Watershed]

Can't remember when the scheduled get uploaded but it's definitely a lot closer to the date of departure than in the UK.

Coatza station is not really walkable to hotels as you say, and it's in a slightly rough industrial area. I took an Uber there - only to discover I'd missed the train by a day due to a monumental planning cockup!

 

[Daniel_P]

Thanks @superalbs and @Watershed - much appreciated. I'm also planning to 'do' Chepe Express while in Mexico - or more accurately make my way from there to Coatzacoalcos. As you can tell, the two are a long way apart so it is taking a fair amount of planning so the schedules not being on the website for September is proving to be less than helpful!

 

[Daniel_P]

In case it is helpful for others to plan trips: I've heard back from customer services and the schedules for the following month are uploaded in the last week of the current month, so I'd suggest travelling later in the month - or having a degree of flexibility!

 

[dutchflyer]

Just a hint, my visits to MEXico, including 1 overnight trip by train are long ago-before one would even think about www etc.
BUSes are, or were at least that time, far, far more widespread, local trips usually of the ´USA school bus´ type (you know perhaps-with those noses in front) and in fact often were downhanded from north of the border to have a few more years of public service. Expecting that to be listed on www etc and all that seems to me pure wishful thinking. Learn to speak ESpanol and ask driver or other people-I assume you will not be the only one detraining there.
As an alternate possible source, as I have more times pointed at, are the normal general touristy forums like f.e. tripadvisor. Perhaps the answer is already there and that site in general is quite used to answering about public transport options.

 

[sh24]

I can remember finding and booking Mexican bus tickets online circa 2005! The bus was 1-2 seating, a/c and with a loo. If you wanted the US school bus experience Guatemala was a better bet.

 

[Daniel_P]

Just a hint, my visits to MEXico, including 1 overnight trip by train are long ago-before one would even think about www etc.
BUSes are, or were at least that time, far, far more widespread, local trips usually of the ´USA school bus´ type (you know perhaps-with those noses in front) and in fact often were downhanded from north of the border to have a few more years of public service. Expecting that to be listed on www etc and all that seems to me pure wishful thinking. Learn to speak ESpanol and ask driver or other people-I assume you will not be the only one detraining there.
As an alternate possible source, as I have more times pointed at, are the normal general touristy forums like f.e. tripadvisor. Perhaps the answer is already there and that site in general is quite used to answering about public transport options.

Of course I can see what happens when I get there but the only reason why I asked on this forum about local buses in advance is because various folks have been there recently.

 

[Alfonso]

Of course I can see what happens when I get there but the only reason why I asked on this forum about local buses in advance is because various folks have been there recently.

In general, you can easily get from anywhere to anywhere in Mexico by bus.

Long distance routes will all have online booking and a range of comfort standards. In this part of the world ADO, Cristobal Colon and their many sub brands are all easy to find.

There will also be a host of smaller first and second class bus operations. Once you get to local services there will be a range of local buses, minibuses, shared taxis all with their own termini and often no fixed schedules, you just need to ask around...any local taxi driver or hotel reception will know where to get the appropriate bus, combi, or shared taxi (collectivo).

You can also book a shared taxi all to yourself (servicio especial). This is usually cheaper than booking a normal taxi as they know they will also pick up a fare on the way home.

Normal taxis are also quite used to doing longer journeys, and if they don't like the look of a journey will quote a stupidly high fare, in which case decline politely and ask someone else.

 

[frankmoh]

Any updates?

 

[superalbs]

Large crash happened last night, a cab of a Class 43 has been totally destroyed.

Pic:

 

[cav1975]

Large crash happened last night, a cab of a Class 43 has been totally destroyed.

Pic:
View attachment 194311

Hope the driver was OK

 

[superalbs]

Hope the driver was OK

Apparently survived.

 

[Killingworth]

What does the truck look like, assuming that's what it hit? A view of the crossing would be interesting too.

There's video online of a Mexican freight train smashing into a bus with multiple deaths as recently as September. The Mexican risk assessment process clearly overlooks the inherent dangers in unprotected level crossings of any type when road vehicle drivers ignore them.

 

[Ash Bridge]

Thats positive news if the driver survived, possibly he just had enough time to retreat into the power cars engine compartment via the visible doorway at the rear of the cab? Also wondering if cutting torches have been used as the damage seems to end abruptly at the cab entrance doors either side?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Also wondering if cutting torches have been used as the damage seems to end abruptly at the cab entrance doors either side?

The cabs are fibreglass; aren't the doors just where an actual metal structure begins?

 

[Killingworth]

From; https://www.dpsimulation.org.uk/uk-...trailer-in-chiapas-passengers-escape-unharmed

Ex-British Rail HST Involved in Crash with Trailer in Chiapas, Mexico​

Sunday 21st Dec 2025

Yesterday, an ex-British High-Speed Train (HST) operating on the Tren Interoceánico was involved in a crash with a trailer at a railway crossing in Pichucalco, Chiapas, Mexico, causing damage to the locomotive. Authorities confirmed that no passengers or crew were injured.

The accident occurred at 09:55 in the Cardona community when the trailer entered the track just as the train, covering the Coatzacoalcos–Pakal Ná route, was passing through.

"Fortunately, none of the 148 passengers on the train nor the crew reported any injuries, and there were no human losses," stated the Tren Interoceánico.

The front engine of the ex-British HST suffered damage from the impact, prompting the immediate activation of a contingency plan. Another train and buses were deployed to ensure passengers could continue to their destinations without delay.

The Tren Interoceánico emphasized its commitment to "the safety and responsible operation of our railways, as a strategic project for the development of communities in the southeast and across the country."

The former UK-built high-speed train is part of Line FA, connecting Coatzacoalcos in Veracruz to Palenque in Chiapas, passing through key stations in Tabasco. This route provides a vital connection to the Tren Maya at Palenque and offers both tourist and executive class services.

 

[Trackman]

Frame seems to have held up, could be deceptive.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

From; https://www.dpsimulation.org.uk/uk-...trailer-in-chiapas-passengers-escape-unharmed

Very glad no one was hurt. Which power car is that?

 

[43096]

Which power car is that?

FIT3014, the former 43378.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

FIT3014, the former 43378.

Thanks. I expect this is going to be the first to be written off since exportation, or have others been scrapped out there for whatever reason?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Thanks. I expect this is going to be the first to be written off since exportation

Doesn't look that bad to me; did they export any spare cab modules?

They could always ask Romic for one off a scrap example over here?

 

[Royston Vasey]

I'll give it a year before they're being hauled by a GP40.

 

[gazthomas]

Doesn't look that bad to me; did they export any spare cab modules?

They could always ask Romic for one off a scrap example over here?

They could do with quite a few spare cabs, given the previous incidents they've had. That said, the HSTs are (currently) so lightly used, they may have an over supply of them and I understand Romic are sending more over as wel.

Here is the power car when I saw it in the middle of November this year.

 

[MarcVD]

I'll give it a year before they're being hauled by a GP40.

Same fate as for the ex NS/CFF TEE rakes that were sold to Ontario Northland.

 

[Spekejunction]

Same fate as for the ex NS/CFF TEE rakes that were sold to Ontario Northland.

I know a man or two who could knock up a crash cage PDQ….Extra weight not a problem in Mexico..

 

[43096]

Extra weight not a problem in Mexico..

But wouldn't take account of the weight balance of the vehicle. So very much is an issue anywhere.

 

[Spekejunction]

But wouldn't take account of the weight balance of the vehicle. So very much is an issue anywhere.

Sorry somewhat tongue in cheek from me..
Will say ..very glad nobody hurt….
Could be not so lucky next time.
Interestingly the Mk 4 driving trailer involved in Craven Arms collision fared much better..