Taxi drivers arrested for threatening tourist using ride-share app
- Three taxi drivers were arrested for threatening a tourist using Uber in Puerto Morelos.
- This incident reflects ongoing tensions between traditional taxi drivers and ride-hailing services amid a history of harassment.
- The authorities are taking a strong stance against actions that compromise tourist safety in Quintana Roo.
In Puerto Morelos, a town just south of Cancun, Mexico, three taxi drivers were arrested for threatening a tourist who opted to use a ride-share service, specifically Uber. This incident occurred when the tourist was blocked from entering the ride-share vehicle. The local taxi drivers verbally warned the tourist that if they used the ride-share app, they would call the police and take further action against him. This confrontation is part of broader tensions that have existed for years between traditional taxi services and new ride-hailing companies along Mexico's Caribbean coast. These tensions have often escalated to harassment and violence against tourists who venture to use alternatives to the local taxi services. Traditionally, taxi drivers in resort areas have been known to charge exorbitant fares, leading to animosity toward the more affordable ride-share options. In recent years, ride-hailing services like Uber were prohibited in Cancun until a court ruling in 2023 allowed Uber to operate legally in the area. This change was met with resistance from taxi drivers, who have historically opposed any competition that threatens their high fare business model. Adding to the issues surrounding the taxi industry, local authorities have dealt with criminal activities linked to taxi drivers. Earlier in the year, some drivers were implicated in drug possession and violence against tourists. The arrest of the three drivers in connection with the threat against the tourist emphasizes law enforcement's increasing resolve in addressing the safety and security of both tourists and local residents in Quintana Roo, the state where Puerto Morelos is located. The state's prosecutors stated that any actions jeopardizing safety would not be tolerated, indicating a crackdown on illegal and harmful behavior within the taxi industry. This incident marks a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by traditional taxis reacting aggressively to ride-share services.