Uber Is About To Become Safer Than Ever For Cancun Tourists With New Agreement 

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Last Updated 6 months ago

Feeling safe in a destination can truly make or break a vacation for the budding traveler, and that is one side of the tourism sector that is being given full attention by governments in the Mexican Caribbean and Yucatan Peninsula. 

The go-to app Uber has found itself in headlines recently after contending with taxi companies who are unhappy with their expansion in the region and have been reportedly getting into threatening situations against each other, as far as physical assaults and even beyond. 

Not what any tourist wants to hear when they are looking for a slice of paradise to escape the drudgery of everyday life, huh?

Well, you need no longer be worried, as the government of Quintana Roo has confirmed this week that it will sign an agreement with the Uber platform which will enable them to be permanently monitored and tracked by the C5 (a large-scale surveillance system) in the hope that security levels and standards are met to the highest standard. 

The Background 

This new agreement is coming into effect after the uphill battle Uber has had to endure within the Mexican Caribbean for quite a few years now.

When Uber was introduced to Cancun, one of the busiest hotspots in the region, it was welcomed by tourists and a large swathe of locals who saw it as an opportunity to better connect the busy resort zone and have it feel safer than ever before. 

@janiyamarrie Uber in Canun #cancunvacation #uberincancun #cancuntraveltips #royaltonchiccancun #whattodoincancun #nightlifeincancun #thingstodoincancun ♬ City Boy – Burna Boy

One group this introduction did not impress, however, was local taxi drivers who understandably were worried about losing business to the billion-dollar app. 

Some taxi drivers began to take matters into their own hands, with some resorting to divisive and aggressive tactics to try and chase them out, resulting in some being sentenced to jail time after fighting in the street in front of tourists and locals alike. 

Uber’s New Agreement 

This week’s announcement will essentially have all Uber drivers be connected to the C5, a surveillance system that will be able to track vehicles and their journeys, in an attempt to deter other taxi drivers from causing any issues. 

The system will allow for complete monitoring and electronic accompaniment throughout each journey and can be used for a whole plethora of things beyond deterring other taxi drivers such as medical issues like childbirth or having a heart attack, and will be able to be used by both tourists and drivers. 

A panic button will be introduced to each carrier in case of emergency and will hopefully bring some peace of mind to the traveler, as well as an end to the events of the last few months, while the Mexican Caribbean and the surrounding areas continue to push for even better safety for all. 

Keeping Everyone Safe 

The topic of safety for locals and travelers has been a huge focus for local governments in and around the Mexican Caribbean, all too keenly aware of just how important the tourism sector is to the region and also how fragile it is. 

Any indication that crime rates are increasing or safety levels are being questioned will naturally result in fewer tourists wanting to vacation in these hotspots, and that is why there have been unending improvements and a leveling up in the protection of visitors and locals alike. 

With the introduction of the C5 center, a large-scale surveillance system that allows 24-hour monitoring of main tourist areas and places where potential crime could occur, crime rates are decreasing constantly. 

Throughout the summer, a program was introduced to make the security and protection of tourists an utmost priority, with increased patrols on beaches and popular visitor attractions by police and the National Guard, as well as the investment in more security equipment and vehicles, with security cameras being installed in most major destinations and hotspots. 

The Mexican Caribbean and beyond are taking the protection of its visitors and locals extremely seriously, and though the sight of patrols on the beach while you are sunbathing, or the feeling you are being watched while visiting a popular attraction might feel slightly odd, one thing is for sure: your safety is paramount here and you are being well looked after.

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