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Law-Breaking Cancun Taxi Drivers Will Have Licenses Revoked After Most Recent Assault 

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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. 

Taxi Parked in the Hotel Zone in Cancun, Mexico

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.  

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.”   

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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. 

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. 

Taxi stand in Cancun, Mexico Near the Hotel Zone

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. 

Taxis Lined Up Waiting to Pick Up Tourists

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.   

Authorized Waiting Area for Taxis at Cancun Airport

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. 

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