Mexico’s tourist hotspot, Quintana Roo, has taken a firm stance against taxi drivers who assault travelers for using rideshare apps. Following a string of incidents, the state has started arresting and revoking licenses from taxi drivers involved in these attacks.
Three taxi drivers were arrested earlier this month in Puerto Morelos after they threatened a traveler trying to use a rideshare app. A video of the incident shows the drivers blocking the tourist’s path and intimidating them into canceling their ride. The Mobility Institute of Quintana Roo has canceled the concessions for the three suspects and is investigating their driving licenses.
This crackdown comes as tourism officials continue to maintain that Quintana Roo is a safe destination for travelers. In fact, Ricardo Cruz, community manager at Hola Weddings, who lives in Playa del Carmen, believes that common sense and basic precautions can make traveling in Quintana Roo feel safer than in some major cities abroad.
However, the incidents are not isolated. Two other taxi drivers were arrested in November for assaulting another motorist they suspected worked for a rideshare service in front of an ecotourism park. An investigation into these drivers resulted in arrests linked to drug dealing as well.
The legalization of Uber in Mexico in 2023 has led to tensions between local taxi unions and rideshare companies. Jeff Lanno, founder of Hola Weddings, noted that taxi drivers are a powerful organization in Mexico and will stop at nothing to maintain their monopoly.
Quintana Roo’s efforts to crack down on these incidents come as the state seeks to reassure tourists that they can safely use rideshare apps without fear of intimidation or violence. As authorities continue to investigate and prosecute those involved, travelers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their rights are being protected.
Source: US Today
