Last Updated
Taxi drivers have been fighting with Uber drivers ever since Uber was deemed to be legally operating in Cancun.
Sometimes these fights have even led to violence, with Uber drivers and vehicles being attacked by taxi drivers.
But now, these law-breaking Cancun taxi drivers will begin having their licenses revoked following the most recent assault against an Uber driver.
Incident That Led To The Decision
Two recent incidents in particular led to the decision by Cristina Torres Gomez, the Secretary of Government of Quintana Roo, to revoke the licenses of a number of taxi drivers.
One took place on June 1st and involved taxi drivers smashing the windows of an Uber vehicle and assaulting the driver in the Hotel Zone.
The second incident took place on June 8th in front of the Royalton Riviera Cancun and involved an Uber driver having stones thrown at their vehicle by a group of taxi drivers.
Los #taxistas de #Cancun continúan con los ataques hacia operadores de #Uber ante la mirada de elementos de la #GuardiaNacional un delegado del sindicato arremete contra operador de la plataforma. Ante la impunidad que reina en el estado, la violencia continuará. pic.twitter.com/S5e3TZkueC
— Cecilia Solis (@CeciSolisQR) June 2, 2023
New Sanctions on Taxi Drivers
According to Ms. Gomez, licenses and license plates were removed from the vehicles of taxi drivers being investigated for attacks on Uber drivers.
She stated that “Plates were removed, drivers were immobilized, and the administrative procedures that correspond to the Mobility Institute and the hearings to the Prosecutor’s Office for facts due to problems constituting a crime are initiated in both directions.”
She further commented that “Drivers will not be able to operate at the end of the investigations; these actions will not be tolerated and the ideal sanctions will be sought.”
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
In #Cancun, the harassment of tourists by taxi drivers when using @Uber_MEX continues. They argue that UBER is illegal, however the platform is already legal and they scare the tourist away by calling the Police. @TorrucoTurismo @anapatyp @MaraLezama pic.twitter.com/uA0Xz7TebI
— 𝙍𝙤𝙙 𝙋é𝙧𝙚𝙯 🇲🇽🇺🇲🇺🇦 ❁︎ (@RodPerezOficial) February 22, 2023
Background On The Battle
The battle between taxi drivers and Uber drivers began back in January.
It was after a ruling from a judge that Uber could operate without having to obtain the permits and licenses that taxi drivers are required to have to operate.
Taxi drivers, who are historically known for overcharging in Cancun, felt that this resulted in unfair competition because Uber drivers would be able to charge less, and taxi drivers would lose business.
#QuintanaRoo|| En #Cancún continúa el ataque del gremio taxista contra el servicio ejecutivo @Uber_MEX, donde los más afectados son los usuarios, ya que es una constante que pone en riesgo tanto su seguridad como la movilidad en dicho municipio.@rodrigoalcazaru@MaraLezama pic.twitter.com/9Kkn53bR8S
— Víctor Cabrera (@victorcabreramx) June 10, 2023
Incidents Involving Taxi Drivers
Immediately after the ruling was made, incidents between taxi drivers and Uber drivers started being reported, some even with tourists involved.
In January, only days after Uber was given the okay to offer services in Cancun, a group of taxi drivers chased down an Uber vehicle with tourists on board.
They made them get out of the car, wrongly telling them that Uber was illegal.
Just a few days later, another incident occurred that led to the arrest of five taxi drivers for assaulting an Uber driver.
Uber’s Status In Cancun
According to the judge who ruled in the case, Uber can legally operate without having to meet the same requirements as taxi drivers because Uber is considered a private company.
Taxis, on the other hand, have to adhere to the rules of the state mobility law, which requires them to obtain a state concession.
Uber drivers only need to obtain a business permit.
But although Uber is legal in Cancun now, they are still not able to pick up at the airport.
How The Taxi/Uber Battle Affects Tourists
So far, there have been no reports of serious injuries to tourists related to the fight between taxi and Uber drivers.
Some situations have led to inconveniences for tourists, though.
Typically these inconveniences come in the form of being left stranded as a result of an incident involving taxi drivers.
Best Alternative Transportation In Cancun
Fortunately, when you visit Cancun, there are other options, so you don’t have to take a taxi or an Uber if you don’t want to.
Your best option is private transportation, which might cost a little more but is currently much safer.
Furthermore, you can book and pay in advance and have your transportation waiting right at the airport so you’ll know what it will cost, and you can get off the plane and get your Cancun vacation underway.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.