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A new study has found that taxis and minibusses are by far the most dangerous forms of public transport in Cancun amid efforts to bolster road safety in the coastal destination.
Over 200 road accidents have been attributed to taxis in 2024 so far, with most incidents occurring in highly transited areas, including the resort zone and key avenues leading to Cancun International Airport.
Despite measures to improve public transit and the safety of ride-hailing apps like Uber, taxis remain a ubiquitous sight in Cancun, with many travelers using them to reach their resorts or accommodations.
With travel to Cancun set to skyrocket during the upcoming high season, here’s what travelers need to know about taxi safety in the resort city.
From Scams To Reckless Driving: Taxis Remain A Safety Risk For Cancun
A perennial sight in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean, taxis are both a significant means of transport for many residents and travelers and, increasingly, a leading cause of traffic accidents.
A new report published this week by Cancun’s secretariat for mobility shows that the Andrés Quintana Roo taxi union – the largest taxi organization operating in Cancun – has been linked to over 200 traffic accidents in the first half of 2024.
With over 12,000 taxi drivers affiliated with the union, Andrés Quintana Roo is a critical institution for Cancun, a city that currently lacks comprehensive public transit options.
According to a recently published study on road safety, most taxi accidents occurred in February and March, coinciding with the busy winter high season.
Over 40 monthly accidents occurred during that period.
The report also illuminates the most accident-prone areas in Cancun. The city’s resort zone sees the highest number of accidents, particularly along Kukulcán Boulevard, home to dozens of massive resorts.
Other hotspots for accidents include Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard, a key artery for traffic headed to and from Cancun International Airport, and Tulum Avenue.
In addition to taxis, Cancun has also reported several significant accidents involving minibuses, locally referred to as combis. While rarely used by travelers, combis can pose a risk to other types of vehicles, including taxis, buses, and private transfer shuttles.
This summer, Cancun launched its annual summer safety campaign to protect travelers, deploying hundreds of law enforcement officers. In addition to stepping up measures to tackle petty crime, authorities cracked down on law-breaking taxi drivers as efforts continue to bolster road safety.
Take These Precautions To Stay Safe When Using A Taxi In Cancun
In most cases, taking a taxi in Cancun is safe, although travelers should be aware of certain risks.
First and foremost, visitors should primarily rely on private transfers arranged in advance through their resort or accommodation.
Uber and other ride-hailing apps are also increasingly popular and are largely allowed to operate legally.
If you need to use a taxi, always make sure to negotiate a fixed price prior to the ride.
When it comes to safety, make sure to check that your taxi has seatbelts and that the vehicle appears in good condition.
Travelers can also note the taxi’s registration number and license plate, which can come in handy if a police report needs to be filed due to overcharging or other scams.
With the launch of the Maya Train railway network, travelers have more public transit options than ever before, reducing their reliance on costly and, at times, risky taxi drivers.
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