For: The opinion Posted Jan 24, 2023, 11:47 am EST
What began as a dispute between taxi drivers from the tourist destination of Cancun and platform operators such as Uber, escalated to such a level that the problem even led to an alert from the United States.
The State Department, through the country’s Embassy in Mexico, issued the warning to its citizens after the multiple attacks that have even affected some tourists.
The diplomatic representation asked their compatriots to be vigilant about the places in Mexico where these types of platforms operate to avoid being involved in conflicts such as those that occur with the taxi drivers union in Cancun.
In addition, he recommended reviewing your personal security plans; be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile; monitor local media for updates, as well as call 911 in Mexico for immediate assistance.
And despite the travel alert imposed by the United States, things are like this in Cancun, subdued by the taxi mafia.
They block the hotel zone, causing dozens of tourists to decide to walk towards the airport.
More, at: https://t.co/S4DHf2bKzu pic.twitter.com/UENGZ8mq3W
— Joaquín López-Dóriga (@lopezdoriga) January 23, 2023
“In the wake of recent incidents involving taxi drivers and Uber drivers in Quintana Roo, U.S. citizens are reminded of the guidance provided on Travel.State.gov, specifically regarding the use of app-based transportation services in Mexico. ”, adds the alert.
Finally, it is mentioned that “Past disputes between these services and local taxi driver unions have occasionally turned violent, resulting in injuries to US citizens on some occasions”.
It should be remembered that the union of taxi drivers in Quintana Roo have maintained differences for several months with the application drivers, whom prevent them from picking up tickets at the airport and they stop the units in the streets, forcing users to transport themselves in licensed vehicles.
Even, there have been cases in which drivers are beaten and their units mistreated regardless of whether there are foreign tourists inside.
Although a few days ago a judge authorized the operation of these platforms in cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, taxi drivers accuse Uber and Cabify of illegal and unfair competition.
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