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Taking a taxi should be affordable, convenient, and safe. Unfortunately, it is quite the contrary in Cancun, as taxi drivers commit a growing number of crimes ranging from fraud to reckless driving.
The legalization of the ride-sharing app Uber has brought massive changes to the way travelers get around in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean. But it has also led to an uptick in violent crimes committed by taxi drivers in an attempt to regain lost market share.
A new report now shows which types of crimes Cancun’s taxi drivers are committing in 2023. With that in mind, here’s what travelers should watch out for and what travelers can do to prevent becoming a victim.
Officials Release New Statistics On Taxi Driver Crimes As Uber Soars In Popularity
A newly published study reveals that crimes committed by taxi drivers in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean have skyrocketed over the past year. The rise in taxi-related crimes coincides with the growing popularity of Uber, the world’s largest ride-sharing platform and a major source of contention for taxi drivers in Quintana Roo.
The report, published by the Secretary for Citizen Security, shows that taxi drivers committed a total of 281 serious crimes over the past year. A third of those correspond to what the report calls high-impact crimes.
@girlwhomadechurrowaffles 🏝️Do Not Pay Those Excessive Taxi Prices 🚖 #cancun #travel #vacation #cancuntaxis #uber #taxis #cancunairport #traveltips #adobus #hotelzone ♬ La Cumbia Folklorica – Hermanos Flores
Media reports of confrontational taxi drivers have become the norm in the past several months, as local taxi operators seek to punish Uber drivers – and, in rare cases, passengers.
The most important takeaway: taxi drivers are increasingly likely to resort to violence or intimidation. Between 2019 and 2021, taxi drivers were committing an average of 60 serious crimes per year, but that number has now skyrocketed to nearly 300 yearly cases.
@gringomexicano20 The taxis always will make you pay more money than you actually need to. So I would suggest taking ADO for 5 dollars and getting where you need to be safe, and with money in your pocket 🇲🇽😕#taxi #cancun #cancunairport #springbreak #beach #playadelcarmen #cancun #tulum #xcaret #xcaretmexico #beaware ♬ Boy's a Liar Pt. 2 – PinkPantheress & Ice Spice
The latest findings show that the most common serious crimes perpetrated by Cancun’s taxi drivers include drug trafficking, assault, and even human trafficking. Meanwhile, the new report also suggests that scams, including overcharging travelers, are also on the rise.
The dramatic findings come at a time when officials are ramping up efforts to protect Uber riders in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean. This year, authorities are launching a new system to allow travelers to report aggressive taxi drivers to local law enforcement.
@oneminutetours Have you ever gotten ripped off by a #Cancun taxi? #mexico #oneminutetours #playadelcarmen ♬ original sound – One Minute Tours
Despite the alarming rise in taxi-related crimes, only 14 operators have had their licenses revoked in the past year. On the other hand, Quintana Roo’s Imoveqroo, the agency responsible for overseeing taxi operators, has issued more fines and temporary suspensions.
Follow These Important Tips Before Taking A Taxi In Cancun
As officials continue to implement new measures to protect travelers and residents from aggressive taxi drivers, experts are calling for tourists to follow basic safety guidelines when taking a taxi in the Mexican Caribbean.
One of the most important things travelers can do to avoid being overcharged is to book their airport transfer in advance with a private transportation company. Alternatively, visitors can take advantage of complimentary transfers, which many resorts in the Cancun area offer as part of their all-inclusive package.
When it comes to getting around in Cancun, travelers can opt between Uber or local taxi firms. As Cancun’s taxis lack a taximeter, it’s important to negotiate a price prior to commencing the ride. With Uber, travelers can simply insert their destination and pre-pay for their ride.
@scottyross_ Why did i get cut off at the end? 🤔. If you plan on visiting Cancun, please be careful. Avoid taking Ubers. If you travel internationally, always check to see each countries safety guidelines and whether or not its safe to take an Uber there. #greenscreen #uber #uberdriver #safetywarning ♬ original sound – Scotty Ross
Travelers are advised to maintain a high degree of situational awareness when using Uber at night and in places that lack comprehensive law enforcement presence.
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Pedro
Tuesday 10th of October 2023
The question is: why there are no taximeters in Cancun??????....the answer is: because the government is as corrupt as the drivers and everything is under control of the cartels.....mainly jalisco nueva generacion.......
Daniel
Thursday 12th of October 2023
@Pedro, along with other cartels, there are at least 5 cartels operating here, happy vacation
Graham M
Monday 9th of October 2023
I arrived yesterday evening after travelling for 24 hours from Manchester,England to Cancun to be a part of a bird ringing group helping local Yucatan students to learn how to safely ring birds.I expected to pay around 25$ to 35$ for a fifteen minute drive to my hotel.I was asked for 78$ and also 96$ it was only when I started to walk which wouldn’t of been safe that they agreed to take me for 55$ !! The bus wouldn’t take me to get a local cheaper taxi.So I had to pay up but may not return again in future.I can help students in South America and not get ripped off.