Hundreds of people in Oaxaca and its municipalities rely on mototaxis daily for short-distance travel, especially in areas where other public transportation is unavailable. However, recent fare increases have left many citizens dissatisfied.
According to the Ministry of Transportation and Mobility (Semovi), Oaxaca has 13,463 registered mototaxi concession titles, with over 10,000 issued during former governor Gabino Cué’s regime and the rest during PRI member Ulises Ruiz’s tenure. Most of these mototaxis operate in 160 municipalities across the state’s eight regions, where there are frequent complaints about organized crime infiltration, excessive fines, and traffic regulation violations.
The number of mototaxis in Oaxaca has been increasing, with more than 13,000 units currently in operation, over 6,000 of which are illegal, according to Semovi. This mode of transport is highly demanded due to its ability to reach areas inaccessible to public transport. Estimates suggest that between 4,000 and 8,000 units operate illegally, often under the protection of political and union organizations affiliated with political parties.
Last year’s data shows 140 units in the Cañada region, 815 on the Coast, 166 in the Mixteca, 180 in Papaloapan, 70 in the Sierra Norte, 193 in the Sierra Sur, 4,440 in the Isthmus, and 7,500 in Valles Centrales. Mototaxis first appeared in Zaachila and Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán and are now present throughout the state.
Fare Increases
According to the Mercado Libre website, semi-new mototaxis range from 70,000 to 100,000 pesos and can carry three passengers plus the driver, reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. The fare varies by distance, typically ranging from 8 to 15 pesos, with drivers setting prices arbitrarily.
Recently, citizens have reported fare increases. María Elena, a resident of the Del Maestro neighborhood in the Santa Rosa Panzacola agency, noted that her fare from a shopping center to her home increased from 7 to 8 pesos overnight, without any announcement or authorization from authorities.
Risks of Traveling by Mototaxi
Mototaxis are not designed for high speeds, and factors such as street conditions, increased vehicle numbers, and driver inexperience, particularly regarding traffic regulations, pose risks. Drivers work from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and must deliver a bill of 400 pesos per day, earning a profit of 200 to 300 pesos.
Transportation law requires these units to be replaced every five years, but many concessionaires do not comply with this regulation.
Attempts to Ban Mototaxis
In August 2017, PRD deputy Omar Ortega Álvarez proposed an initiative to ban mototaxis, citing their lack of minimum safety measures. The proposal argued that these vehicles are unsuitable for passenger transport and lack necessary safety features. Additionally, drivers are not subject to evaluation processes and often operate without a driver’s license.
Violence and Insecurity
Organizations dominating mototaxis in Oaxaca include the Libertad Union, the 14 de Junio organization, CODEP, COCEI, MULT, API, 23 de Octubre, and UGOCEP. These groups have used mototaxi drivers as enforcers, sowing violence and insecurity in areas with transporter disputes.
Source: NVI Noticias
