Locals and tourists embark on their first trip aboard the Maya tourist train, Mexican President Lopez Obrador's flagship project, from Campeche bound for Cancun. "Sixteen years ago, while traveling in Europe, I said to myself that I wished there was a transport like this in Mexico, and today, 16 years later, we have it here," says excited passenger Carlos Ramirez. The Mayan Train began operations on December 15 with a promise of prosperity for one of the most impoverished regions of Mexico and under accusations of having devastated the environment. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES