Cancún, as soon as a thriving tourism hotspot, is going through a rising disaster as vacationer numbers plummet and pressure between taxi drivers and rideshare providers reaches boiling level. Tourism in Cancún dropped by 14% in 2024, a decline linked to violent taxi disputes, exorbitant fares, and a rising desire for rideshare apps like Uber, DiDi, and Cabify.
As viral movies flow into of cab drivers attacking Uber drivers and vacationers, the Quintana Roo authorities has been compelled to step in, asserting investigations into taxi driver misconduct and potential laws to deliver fares underneath management.
Outrage Over Exorbitant Taxi Fares
Taxi fares in Cancún are imagined to be regulated inside a variety of £4 to £15 ($5 to $20) for journeys to Cancún, Tulum, and Puerto Morelos. Nonetheless, attributable to unique authorities contracts with the native taxi union, drivers have been exploiting vacationers, with some charging between £40 and £115 ($50 to $146) for a single journey to the Resort Zone.
Issues over these costs escalated after Mexican influencer Luisito Comunica referred to as out the high taxi fares on Instagram. The problem had been largely ignored by metropolis officers—till it gained widespread media consideration, ultimately prompting Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to handle the controversy.
‘We’re going to evaluate the state of affairs as a result of in some instances there may be abuse,’ Sheinbaum said. ‘We recognise the taxi drivers, however they should cost what ought to be charged.’
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Taxi Drivers Resort to Violence to Preserve Management
Regardless of authorities assist for rideshare apps, the native taxi union continues to violently oppose their presence, continuously focusing on each drivers and passengers.
On 12 December 2024, three cab drivers bodily assaulted an American vacationer for making an attempt to make use of Uber. These drivers had been instantly detained, and their licences completely revoked.
Cases of taxi drivers blocking roads, throwing objects at automobiles, and dragging drivers out of their automobiles have additionally been reported. In a number of instances, taxis have stopped automobiles mistakenly assumed to be rideshares, solely to understand they had been non-public automobiles belonging to locals.
A journalist visiting Cancún Worldwide Airport shared a very disturbing expertise. Whereas ready for a pal to select him up, he was approached by a taxi driver providing a journey. When the journalist declined, saying his pal was coming, the motive force responded aggressively, asking, ‘An Uber pal? F*okay you.’**
Such incidents of aggression have been captured in a number of viral movies, drawing worldwide consideration to the escalating taxi violence in Cancún.
Authorities Crackdown and Requires Nationwide Safety Intervention
Confronted with rising violence and a decline in tourism, hotel owners in the Mexican Caribbean have urged Mexico’s Nationwide Guard, Nationwide Migration Institute, and Nationwide Customs Company to intervene. They worry that until decisive motion is taken, Cancún’s fame as a premier vacationer vacation spot can be completely broken.
The Quintana Roo authorities has additionally begun discussions on laws to control taxi fares and guarantee vacationer security, however many fear it could be too little, too late.
Till actual reforms are put in place, vacationers are suggested to stay cautious when utilizing native transport and to think about different journey choices to keep away from being overcharged—or worse, changing into a sufferer of taxi-related violence.
