Taxi drivers impose their own rules, without the Imoveqroo or legislators acting in favor of the citizens.
Taxi users in Cancun unanimously agreed that the drivers are the only ones who decide how much to charge for each trip, as there is no authority to regulate them or ensure that the authorized fare is respected.
In their opinion, this should be an urgent topic on the agenda of local deputies, as it is of public interest, they added.
However, last Wednesday, Deputy Alberto Batún, although he said there is an analysis table, “washed his hands” regarding the application and enforcement of the law, as this is the responsibility of the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute (Imoveqroo).
In this regard, Deputy and President of the Government and Political Coordination Board (Jugocopo), Jorge Sanén Cervantes, and a legislator and member of the Congress Mobility Commission, were consulted to see if they have considered any initiative to regulate fares and end the conflict between Uber and taxi drivers; however, no response was obtained.
The opinion of Rodrigo Alcázar, head of Imoveqroo, was also sought, as Batún left the ball in his court, but he also did not respond to Por Esto!
“According to the toad is the stone, if it fits, they take you, but you know they will charge you whatever they want, that’s why before getting in I ask how much they will charge me, I don’t know who is in charge of the fares, but I do think the deputies should do something about it. I don’t know if it’s their responsibility, but someone should do something to ensure the fares are respected; every 6 months they increase them, when was the increase announced? As far as I know, the minimum was 35 pesos and no one charges that even for a short trip,” said a citizen.
When questioned about the legislators’ detachment from the issue of transportation in general and taxi drivers in particular, they observed that some authority must stop the arbitrariness of the drivers, not only regarding fares but also in conflicts with platform drivers.
“I don’t care if it’s a taxi driver or an Uber driver, what I need is to get to where I’m going and be charged fairly, and there are few taxi drivers who do that. I won’t generalize, but everyone knows they stop when they want and take you if they want. If they don’t want to work, I don’t understand why they don’t leave those who do (platforms) alone, and if neither Traffic nor Imoveqroo do anything, then yes, the deputies should do something, which is really urgent for the citizens and legislate on it,” said Ana María Oropeza, a user of this type of transport.
Admit Illegal Charges
In mid-September, Rubén Carrillo Buenfil, leader of the taxi drivers of Quintana Roo, admitted that his members charge more than double what the law allows, and still seek to increase their fare.
Last month, they began negotiations with Imoveqroo for the increase, which they intended to be 42 percent, with the excuse that inflation has reduced their profits and that it will help them renew their vehicles.
The leader stated in that interview that the official price per trip is 37 pesos, depending on the area of the city, although some charge at least 80.
In addition, the taxi drivers’ union receives up to two complaints a day, both for irregular charges and for mistreatment. Furthermore, the relationship of some operators with high-impact events and accusations of drug dealing and extortion has been revealed.
Citizens, mainly women, fear for their safety when boarding one of these vehicles. Especially after a few days ago, the case of a young university student who was allegedly deprived of her freedom by a taxi driver was revealed.
As if that weren’t enough, the conflicts between the organization and the platform drivers have damaged the tourist image of the destination, without the authorities taking effective action in this regard.
Source: Por Esto
