Taxi Fare Scandal: Users Stay Silent as Prices Skyrocket

The Institute of Mobility of Quintana Roo (Imoveqroo) has admitted that they are unable to prevent the recent surge in public transportation fares. This increase has been implemented by various taxi unions in central and southern Quintana Roo. The reason for their inability to act is due to the absence of formal complaints from users. Rodrigo Alcázar Urrutia, the director of Imoveqroo, acknowledged that while there have been numerous public complaints on social media, these are insufficient to take action against taxi operators or drivers. However, he assured that efforts are being made to identify these irregularities.

Urrutia also warned that "agreements with users" are not recognized, and without a formal complaint or claim against Imoveqroo, it is impossible to initiate an investigation or sanction taxi drivers. He denied any supposed agreement between users and taxi or foreign passenger transport unions that allows fares to be charged above the authorized rate. He emphasized that this is a violation of regulations and anyone found engaging in such practices will be penalized.

It's worth noting that since August 1, foreign transportation costs in southern Quintana Roo have risen by 20 to 30 percent, despite Imoveqroo not authorizing any changes.

Chetumal Taxi Union Leader Defends Fare Increase

Julio César Castilla Zapata, the Secretary-General of the Unique Union of Rental Cars' Drivers, justified the fare increase. He stated that the decision was made in response to the authority's refusal to approve their request for a fare increase for over 3 years. According to Zapata, taxi union members in Chetumal (SUCHAA) had to raise fares to cover operational costs, primarily fuel and spare parts. While he acknowledged that this increase does not have official approval, he claimed it has been accepted by the public. As a result of this decision, fares for the Chetumal-Mahahual and Chetumal-Felipe Carrillo Puerto routes have increased from 110 to 130 pesos, while the Chetumal-José María Morelos route has risen from 145 to 170 pesos.

Tags: Taxi