What The New Partnership Between Uber And Taxi Drivers Means For Cancun Tourists 

Last Updated 11 months ago

If you’ve followed the news in Cancun at all over the last year then you most likely have heard about all of the hostility going on between Uber and taxi drivers.   

The animosity between them stems from the different rules that each type of transportation provider has to follow, which led to some resentment from taxi drivers towards Uber drivers.   

Fast forward to the end of the year, and a surprising turn of events has led to taxi drivers now partnering with Uber to offer services through the ridesharing platform.   

Now, everyone is wondering what the new partnership between Uber and taxi drivers means for Cancun tourists, so let’s take a look at how things might change.   

Shorter Wait Times  

One of the best things about using an app to order a ride is that it reduces wait times.   

This is because when you order a ride through the Uber app, the closest driver accepts the ride, and typically they’re within only a mile or two away.   

In many cases, your driver will show up within minutes and you’ll be at your destination before you know it. 

Since taxi drivers will now also be able to use the Uber platform to accepts rides, there will be many many more drivers available.

@tpezz Getting a taxi at Cancun is not for the weak #cancun #playadelcarmen ♬ original sound – TINO

Competitive Pricing 

Now that the playing field is a little more level for Uber and taxi drivers, it’s very likely we’ll see more competitive pricing for rides.   

Uber rides are already typically less expensive than taking a taxi, which costs as much as $65 to get from the airport to the Hotel Zone.   

Although we don’t know all of the details yet regarding how taxi rides through the Uber app will be priced, we can assume, or hope, that it will be at least a little more competitive.   

@lakers8247 ##screammovie #cancun #ubercancun #zonahoteleracancunmexico ♬ sonido original – DEXTER TV

Less Chaos 

The biggest benefit that will hopefully stem from this new agreement is that there will be less chaos in Cancun surrounding the two transportation providers.   

Taxi drivers and Uber drivers have been battling it out pretty hard over the last year, and tourists have had to witness some pretty bad behavior.   

From taxi blockades near the airport to being forced out of Uber vehicles, the battle between taxi and Uber drivers has affected tourists; hopefully, that will all be over now. 

@everybodyluvsbruu Great way to end our trip🫠🫠 #cancun #taximafia #protest #ubervstaxis #mexico #fyp #foryoupage ♬ Oh No – Kreepa

More Options 

Having options, especially when it comes to competing businesses like transportation providers, typically benefits the customer.   

Not only does it inspire competition, which can lead to better pricing, but it means that there will always be something available.   

For visitors that want to use a taxi, it also makes it easier to book one.   

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

Enhanced Safety 

Another great thing about taxi drivers using the Uber app is that it offers a layer of protection for passengers.   

The GPS function on the app keeps track of where the vehicle is located, and the app itself keeps track of ride history and other important information.   

Additionally, using the app requires drivers to submit certain information, which is essentially “vetting” the driver at the same time.   

@danstravelguide Disputes between local taxi drivers and ride hailing apps like Uber have caused tension in the resort coast of Cancun. A new court order stated that ride hailong apps do not need to obtain a transportation license while taxi drivers still do. This has led to attacks and violence. Be aware of the situation if you have plans to visit! #cancun #mexico #travelmexico #travelnews #travelguide #cancunvacation #traveltok ♬ Suspense, horror, piano and music box – takaya

How The New Agreement Might Change Airport Transportation 

While the situation with airport transportation has not yet been brought up, we have to wonder how this agreement might change it.   

Currently, Uber drivers are not allowed to operate at the airport, but taxi drivers are, and they charge a fortune to get to the Hotel Zone.   

It will be interesting to see if tourists arriving at the airport will now be able to use the app to order a taxi, and if so, does that mean that Uber is closer to being able to operate at the airport too?  

If so, tourists could end up paying a lot less for airport transfers in the future.   

@mollzeey Replying to @Samantha Ponce #cancun #cancuntransportation #cancunairport #traveltiktok #traveltips ♬ original sound – molly, RN☀️ travel + lifestyle

Other Transportation Options 

Many of the details about the new partnership are still unclear, so you might be up in the air about using either Uber or a taxi during your Cancun vacation.   

Fortunately, there are still other options.   

Private transportation, which can be booked in advance, is pretty affordable and takes away all of the worry and confusion of finding transportation upon your arrival. 

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