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There are many ways to get around Cancun and beyond when visiting the Mexican Caribbean, but just like with anything else, some are better than others.
Some transportation options are more comfortable, others are more convenient, and some are more affordable.
One of the most affordable ways to get around, especially if traveling outside of Cancun after arriving at the airport, is by bus, but now Cancun travelers have been issued a warning over fake tourist buses.
Fake Tourist Buses In Cancun
Fake, or pirate, tourist buses are buses that do not have the proper permits to transport tourists.
Since they do not follow the necessary regulations, there is no guarantee either that their transport vehicles are up to standard.
The buses that typically operate without meeting the required regulations are often in disrepair and outdated.
@amputeeangie If you are brave, there are no speed limits 😂 #cancun #mexico #vacation #fun ♬ original sound – Angie
The Warning About Fake Tourist Buses
The problem, warns the president of the National Chamber of Passenger and Tourism Auto Transport, Julio García Flores, is that the fake transport providers typically don’t have insurance.
They are also prone to more vehicle accidents, and with no insurance, passengers have no way to be compensated should an injury occur.
Flores commented that the buses “are old units, and that they do not have insurance, so they do not give any guarantee to the people who use it and can be injured.”
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@jose_tierra Cheapest excursion we did was ride the bus 😂 best 12 pesos we spent #fyp #fy #cancun #mexico #viral @stephapow ♬ Tokyo Drift – Xavier Wulf
The Dangers Associated With Fake Tourist Buses
The risk of being injured and not being able to have your medical bills paid for if an accident should occur and cause an injury isn’t the only risk.
There are other risks associated with taking a fake tourist bus, one being that the older buses could break down while traveling outside of Cancun and leave you stranded.
You also have to consider that if regulations are not being met, drivers are likely not being screened either.
@basilisotoledo #osnielandtoledo #cancunbus #cancun #bustransit #route #citybusdriver ♬ original sound – TOLEDO
What Transportation Officials Have To Say
Officials from the National Chamber of Passenger and Tourism Auto Transport commented on finding a solution to the problem.
Mr. Flores referred to the need for better monitoring of the roads in order to identify fake tourist buses.
He stated that they are “concerned because there have been no operations on the roads, this is the main point, the overturning of a bus was barely recorded, and an increase in accidents in the transport of this type of vehicle has been detected, so the roads must be monitored more and avoid using this type of transport that does not offer safety to users, since it is not being regulated.”
Solution To The Fake Tourist Bus Problem In Cancun
According to Julio García Flores, the identities of the individuals operating the fake tourist buses are known.
The problem is that officials and authorities don’t seem to be doing anything about it.
This is why they are seeking to have the National Guard activated on the roads in and around Cancun to stop them from transporting tourists.
Avoiding Fake Tourist Buses When Visiting Cancun
The main thing to remember is that fake tourist buses are often old and in disrepair.
This is the first thing to look for before boarding a tourist bus.
If it doesn’t look like it’s kept up like a public transport bus, then it might not be safe to ride.
Other Forms Of Transportation To Use In Cancun
There are plenty of other options for transportation when visiting Cancun.
In addition to the usual taxi and Uber services, there is also private transportation, which may be a little pricey but safe and comfortable.
There are also ADO buses, which are regulated and are the most inexpensive of the safer options that you can use to get around during your Cancun vacation.
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