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Despite Cancun taxi drivers being in the news consistently for several reasons, taxis are one of the most used forms of transportation by tourists visiting the destination.
Drivers have been in the news for overcharging passengers, forming blockades near the airport, attacking Uber drivers, and even being aggressive towards tourists.
Now, Cancun has decided to crack down on aggressive taxi drivers following a recent incident involving a tourist.
Four Taxi Drivers Attack A Tourist In Cancun
Although the identity of the tourist was not included in the report, it was recently reported that four taxi drivers assaulted someone who is presumed to be a tourist.
In a video that has been posted on social media, they were seen kicking him while he was already on the ground, preventing him from getting off the ground.
There was no information on what led to the incident, but similar incidents, although rare, have occurred when taxi drivers suspected that tourists were using the Uber platform.
Sanctions For The Aggressive Drivers
The Quintana Roo Mobility Institute, or Imoveqroo, commented on the incident.
The institute’s director, Rodrigo Alcazar Urrutia, reportedly said that “severe sanctions will be applied to eradicate violence in public and private transport.”
An investigation is underway to determine the identities of the taxi drivers, who will allegedly lose their licenses to operate.
Taxi Drivers Vs. Uber Drivers In Cancun
As mentioned above, taxi drivers are often in the news, usually because of their battles with Uber drivers.
They argue that Uber is not allowed to operate in Cancun, specifically at Cancun Airport.
There have even been instances of violence towards Uber drivers on multiple occasions.
An Ongoing Problem
Taxi driver aggression, towards mostly Uber drivers, but passengers as well, has been an ongoing problem in Cancun.
There have been cases in which taxi drivers force tourists out of Uber vehicles, block Ubers with passengers on board from entering hotel properties, and even attack tourists who argue about being overcharged.
Around this time last year, officials announced that they would begin revoking licenses but the problems continue.
How Cancun Will Address The Problem In The Future
Many people have wondered why the problems persist and nothing seems to be being done about it.
But if these sanctions are handed out and taxi drivers are held accountable the problems should start to go away.
The other thing that really needs to be done is finalizing Uber’s legality in Cancun so that taxi drivers are clear on whether or not they’re allowed to operate, because that is what is causing most of the problems.
Is It Safe To Take An Uber In Cancun?
You never know when an Uber is going to be stopped or attacked by a taxi driver, but it is pretty rare.
Most tourists safely use Uber in Cancun, though Uber is not permitted to operate at the airport anyway, so unless you’re traveling around Cancun after you get there, Uber is pretty useless.
Additionally, the attacks that do take place are usually directed towards Uber drivers who attempt to pick up or drop off at the airport, so in the city, it’s pretty safe to use Uber.
Should You Be Worried About Taking A Taxi When Visiting Cancun
Millions of tourists take taxis in Cancun every year without incident.
That being said, you have to watch out for pirate taxis that may have drivers with bad intentions.
It’s important to look for a registration number and some other form of identification before getting into the vehicle.
You can also opt for private transportation, which can be booked in advance, so you know what you’re paying and that you’re getting a legitimate provider.
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