Local taxi drivers throughout Cancun have blocked main roads and access to the airport. This strong reaction to a recent court ruling that officially made Uber legal has taxi drivers taking desperate measures. Due to violence in the past and active threats against Uber drivers and passengers, the U.S. State Department has issued a warning for travelers in Cancun.
The US State Department said, “past disputes between these services and local taxi unions have occasionally turned violent, resulting in injuries to U.S. citizens in some instances.”
There were reports that a select few tourists who were unaware of the circumstances regarding taxi drivers and Uber drivers were victims of various attacks, like the family of tourists in the TikTok below. Altercations have even taken place in what’s commonly known as “The Hotel Zone,” generally an area deemed safe for tourists. Not only has this area been affected, but getting to/from the airport has become less certain as taxi drivers could block main roads and key access points.
However, the Mayor of Cancun, Ana Patricia Peralta, has put her foot down, saying, “I am not going to allow a small group to damage the reputation of the resort and human safety.” In the wake of disruption to travelers and the Department of State’s new travel advisory, Cancun National Guard and Police will be ensuring something like this does not happen again.
State Secretary Cristina Torres Gómez further stated that “…under no circumstance are we going to allow peace and tranquility to be violated, nor for the roads to collapse in a state that is Mexico’s window to the world.” Cancun and Quintana Roo rely heavily on tourism, and anything that affects the area’s image so drastically is sure to be dealt with quickly.
U.S. Government Issued Travel Advisory
Cancun is located in the state of Quintana Roo. There are many other popular places to visit in the state, such as Tulum and Cozumel. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the taxi situation in Cancun, the entire state has been issued a travel advisory notice.
TYT Newsroom
