ADO invests US$107 million in the renewal of its Platino and GL fleets

ADO, a company specializing in passenger transport, is preparing to take a step toward a more exclusive segment with the renewal of its Platino and GL fleets.

The strategy, backed by an investment of US$107 million, includes the addition of 303 new units and seeks to attract domestic travelers who value comfort on long road trips.

Aldo Alarcón Vargas, general director of Transportation for Mexico and Latin America at Mobility ADO, points out that this renewal comes in response to a complex environment in which market growth has been limited. The prospect of lower economic activity has also affected projections for passenger transportation.

"We have had a difficult year, and we are no exception; it is a widespread situation in the industry. With this type of innovation, we want people to get out of their cars, enjoy a different travel experience, and see us as their best option," he said.

ADO's new venture is in line with a growing trend in other sectors, such as aviation, retail, and entertainment: offering a more personalized experience geared toward an audience seeking greater added value.

The idea is to cater to those who travel more than 600 kilometers or more than seven hours and who prioritize comfort over price.

The redesign of the units includes significant improvements. In the case of ADO GL, the buses—manufactured by Scania—went from 40 to 36 seats, now equipped with individual screens.

In the Platinum segment, the number of seats was reduced from 27 to 23, with reclining screens, three-point seat belts (instead of two) and more space per passenger, with the aim of increasing comfort.

“It's our first class, we call it ‘luxury mode’. It's designed for a very specific niche that seeks to personalize their trip and enjoy a complete experience,” says Alarcón.

The new units will serve key routes such as Mexico City-Oaxaca, Mexico City-Villahermosa, Mérida-Cancún, Mexico City-Tuxtla, and Mexico City-Tampico, among others. These are high-demand routes where comfort can make a difference compared to other alternatives.