MEXICO CITY — In the coastal town of Puerto Morelos, located just south of Cancun, Mexican authorities have taken into custody three taxi drivers for allegedly threatening a tourist who opted for a ride-hailing service.
The conflict between traditional taxi drivers and users of ride-sharing applications like Uber has escalated for years along the Caribbean coastline. Tourists have frequently faced harassment, sometimes even physical violence, from drivers of conventional cabs who oppose the competition. Incidents of attacks on ride-share vehicles have also been documented.
Recent social media footage reveals the drivers obstructing a tourist from entering a ride-share vehicle, loudly declaring, “It’s not possible… you can’t take Uber because we’re going to call the police, we’re going to block him, and you’re going to be in trouble, too.”
According to prosecutors, one of the arrested drivers is suspected of drug possession, while the other two remain detained on unspecified grounds. Authorities have suggested the revocation of their taxi permits and licenses as part of the ongoing investigation.
Until 2023, ride-hailing apps were banned in Cancun, but a court ruling lifted this prohibition, allowing Uber to provide services in the area. The state prosecutor’s office reiterated its firm stance against any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of either local residents or tourists, whether domestic or international, emphasizing that such actions will not be tolerated in Quintana Roo, the state encompassing both Cancun and Puerto Morelos.
Taxi fares in this region are notoriously high, leading to resentment among drivers of traditional taxis and a strong opposition to more affordable alternatives. Some taxi drivers have also been found involved in drug trafficking activities.
Earlier this year, authorities arrested two taxi drivers for their participation in the assault of two German tourists outside a club in Playa del Carmen, further south of Cancun. During this incident, the drivers were also found in possession of marijuana and cocaine.
The year 2023 has witnessed a rise in violent confrontations between traditional taxi drivers and those affiliated with ride-hailing services, highlighting longstanding complaints about exorbitant taxi fares in Cancun.
