Following the blockade that happened this week, where some Cancun taxi drivers restricted access to the road to the airport and other tourist areas in the Hotel Zone, state officials released a statement to the public on Wednesday, promising that it won’t happen again.
In the report, it was stated that while there is a right to demonstrate, transit and all free flow of movement between and within important tourist zones in Cancun must be guaranteed, as Quintana Roo is an important and world-renowned international tourist hub.
These statements made it evident that the Quintana Roo state officials will make sure that tourist areas in Cancun and the surrounding area are protected from any disruptions to ensure the safety and confidence of all travelers to the region. Throughout the recent blockade, police were helping transport tourists to the airport to help aid in the situation as other authorities worked to clear the roads. Moving forward, police and national guard will be on hand to make sure that blockades like this do not occur again.
@everybodyluvsbruu Great way to end our trip🫠🫠 #cancun #taximafia #protest #ubervstaxis #mexico #fyp #foryoupage ♬ Oh No – Kreepa
Taxi Blockade In Cancun: Information For Travelers
If you’re traveling in Cancun at the moment, you have probably heard of, or have been affected by, the rising tensions between taxi drivers and Uber drivers these past few weeks. The ongoing dispute of whether Uber should be allowed to operate in the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo finally concluded earlier this month when a judge ruled that Uber is, in fact operating legally in Cancun.
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While the announcement came as good news to some, the ruling only escalated the ongoing tensions between taxi drivers in Cancun and those working as Uber drivers. Because Cancun and the surrounding area have been pretty much a taxi-only zone when it comes to taking tourists around, the plan was to transition away from this model slowly.
As a result, Uber drivers have been banned from entering the Cancun Hotel Zone as well as the road to the airport, but this didn’t stop the conflict between the drivers.
Following the ruling, there were some reports of drivers harassing and assaulting Uber drivers. Five taxi drivers were even arrested, and the suspects are also facing charges of endangering passers-by and altering public order.
@soyguselcancunence Hasta cuando #imoveqroo #cancunmexico #fyp #parati #viral #uber #turistas ♬ sonido original – Soy Gus
All of this put the safety of taking a taxi or an Uber for tourists in Cancun at the moment into question during what’s a busy winter travel season in the region.
Furthermore, things escalated so much that the U.S. State Department issued a warning on Monday to travelers in the area after local taxis blocked access to the Cancun Airport and also reportedly threatened Uber drivers and even passengers.
‘Tranquility Will Not Be Violated’, Say Quintana Roo Officials
In the news report, Cristina Torres, Quintana Roo’s Government Secretary, made promises to keep the peace in the region, assuring the safety of tourists in Cancun. Being such a popular destination with over 30 million tourists per year (and growing), officials made it clear that keeping tourism in Quintana Roo is a priority.
“The State Government and the Coordination Group of the City Council respect the free demonstration of the citizens of Quintana Roo, as long as it does not violate or harm the rights of third parties,” Torres said in a statement to the press.
Torres was accompanied by other representatives, including those in the army, the national guard, and the attorney general’s office.
“We listen to absolutely all the groups, but under no circumstances are we going to allow peace and tranquility to be violated, nor for the roads to collapse of communication in a state that is Mexico’s window to the world.”
To help travelers, we have recommended some alternatives to taking a taxi or Uber to get around Cancun, including taking a rental car or hiring private transportation. While the tensions may fizzle in the coming days or weeks, it’s a good idea to have a plan B in case you can’t depend on a taxi or a rideshare to get around Cancun or even to the airport at the end or the start of your trip.
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Lucas
Wednesday 1st of February 2023
Unfortunately taxi is a gang in Cancun. They lie, overcharge like crazy. I had only the worst experience with them. Especially at the airport.