Cancun Taxi Drivers Attack Tourist Couple After Trying To Overcharge Them

Last Updated 1 year ago

Outrage has erupted across social media sites over a group of Cancun taxi drivers that violently targeted a couple that refused to pay for their ride after being overcharged while visiting the sunny hotspot.

Although officials have implemented several new measures to crack down on law-breaking taxi drivers, altercations continue to be reported across several Mexican Caribbean hotspots.

The growing use of Uber in popular resort locations like Cancun has seen many taxi drivers resort to the use of force in an attempt to force travelers and residents to pay for high fares and even outright scam victims.

COBARDES MONTONEROS🚕🚨⚠

🟡#Taxistas agredieron a una pareja de #turistas en la avenida Tulum de #Cancún, #QuintanaRoo, luego de que se presuntamente se negaran a pagar un cobro excesivo por parte del operador de un taxi. pic.twitter.com/fSZAVH11G3

— Qué Poca Madre 🇲🇽 (@QuePocaMadre_Mx) December 4, 2023

As Cancun heads into the peak of the extremely busy winter season, here’s the latest on the most recent taxi crime in Cacnun.

Officials Report Yet Another Case Of Violent Taxi Drivers

Taking a taxi in Cancun has always been a risky business; from overcharging to unruly driving, many travelers have faced law-breaking taxi drivers in the past few years.

This week, media reports emerged of a group of taxi drivers who violently confronted two travelers who refused to pay an unfair rate for their ride. The incident occurred on Tulum Avenue, one of the main boulevards in downtown Cancun.

@meccaco Pt.1 Tips for Taking a Taxi in Cancun Spring Break is here & Cancun Mexico 🇲🇽 is thriving ☀️🙌🏾 With all the craziness going on in the media about Mexico 🇲🇽 I want to make sure you have a safe and joyous journey in the place I call home. Contact me for more info on transportation, activities & Airbnb services: #offtheresort #damayanga #queencalifia #fyp #mexico #vozdelacalle ♬ original sound – Dama Yanga

The altercation took place early Monday after two tourists ordered a taxi from the local Andrés Quintana Roo company. The travelers were then pressured to pay an exorbitant rate for a rather short ride. Failing to comply with the driver’s demands, the taxi operator confronted the travelers, with one of them sustaining injuries due to the attack.

Both paramedics and police were called to the scene promptly, and the injured traveler was rushed to the Hospital General where they received medical attention.

@oneminutetours Have you ever gotten ripped off by a #Cancun taxi? #mexico #oneminutetours #playadelcarmen ♬ original sound – One Minute Tours

A passerby filmed the incident, which has circulated on social media, causing outrage and concern from both travelers and residents. While aggressive taxi drivers are rare on the whole, violent incidents occur from time to time, some of which involve foreign tourists.

According to local media sources, the suspected assailants are known to operate in and around Cancun’s resort zone, where foreign tourists are most likely to stay.

@girlwhomadechurrowaffles 🏝️Do Not Pay Those Excessive Taxi Prices 🚖 #cancun #travel #vacation #cancuntaxis #uber #taxis #cancunairport #traveltips #adobus #hotelzone ♬ La Cumbia Folklorica – Hermanos Flores

These New Measures Will Address Taxi Crimes In Cancun

Although taxi-related crimes continue to be a regular occurrence in Cancun, officials have announced a host of measures to stem unlawful tactics. The legalization of Uber earlier this year drew widespread condemnation from Cancun’s taxi companies, who opposed the measure.

Despite significant setbacks, Uber is growing wildly in popularity in Cancun and beyond, providing travelers with a safer and oftentimes more affordable alternative for getting around.

@danstravelguide Disputes between local taxi drivers and ride hailing apps like Uber have caused tension in the resort coast of Cancun. A new court order stated that ride hailong apps do not need to obtain a transportation license while taxi drivers still do. This has led to attacks and violence. Be aware of the situation if you have plans to visit! #cancun #mexico #travelmexico #travelnews #travelguide #cancunvacation #traveltok ♬ Suspense, horror, piano and music box – takaya

Even so, some taxi drivers continue to target users of the ride-sharing app. That’s why authorities are mulling the implementation of a new panic button, which users of the app can access during their ride. The new system would alert officials to any wrongdoing, thus preventing violent incidents from taking place.

Meanwhile, law enforcement personnel continue to target law-breaking taxi drivers by issuing fines and suspending taxi licenses. With taxi crimes on the rise, more and more drivers are facing administrative sanctions, as officials confront the persistent issue.

@3days3noches Act like a normal regular civilian when landing at the Cancun Airport??? Never!!! Always arrange airport transportation before arriving to the Cancun airport! Taxi drivers will hike the price up if you wait until you arrive! All of our Cancun airport transportation recommendations can be found in our profile!! Nacho is the best!! #cancunairporttransportation #cancunairporttips #cancunmexico2023 #traveltips2023 #3days3noches ♬ original sound – Winter Vanity

The launching of the Maya Train in just several days is also expected to massively boost the popularity of public transport in Cancun and nearby hotspots. The new railway system will provide travelers a quick and convenient way to reach their favorite resort destination without having to pay for exorbitant taxi fares.

With the high season in full swing, police officers will actively monitor busy roads across Cancun while new efforts to deter criminal behavior intensify.

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