Cancún Taxi Union Seeks Fare Hike to Fund Fleet Modernization

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The leader of Cancún’s main taxi union says drivers are willing to modernize their fleet but only if authorities approve a fare increase to cover the costs.

Rubén Carrillo Buenfil, secretary general of the Andrés Quintana Roo Taxi Union and a state legislator for the Labor Party, expressed support for recent mobility reforms passed by the Quintana Roo Congress. He said the changes will help create a more effective, efficient, and modern transportation system for the Benito Juárez municipality, which includes Cancún.

However, Carrillo Buenfil noted that the reforms impose conditions requiring drivers to update their vehicles. He said union members are prepared to comply, but only if the Mobility Institute authorizes higher fares through the implementation of taxi meters.

“We all have to do our part to work in a coordinated way and provide better service,” Carrillo Buenfil said. “Taxi drivers are working on implementing a new system through taxi meters, which would give us more competitive rates, provide certainty for users, and give us the necessary tools to work and advance in modernizing our vehicle fleet. Our rates haven’t been adjusted since 2017. We need to improve and change vehicles effectively, but with fairer rates to move forward.”

He explained that in recent years, drivers have faced rising costs for vehicles, tires, fuel, and parts due to inflation, while maintaining the same fares. This has sometimes made vehicle maintenance unprofitable. Carrillo Buenfil argued that fares should be adjusted to cover these expenses and allow operators to earn profits.

If the Mobility Institute rejects the fare increase proposal, the union leader said drivers will continue modernizing their assigned vehicles despite the economic difficulties.

“Regardless, we’ve been making an effort,” he said. “We’ve changed a large part of the vehicle fleet—more than 40% of the 8,000 registered units. This shows the union’s willingness to have new cars in better condition to operate.”

Carrillo Buenfil added that the union has been holding meetings with members to emphasize the need to advance in technology and acquire new cars. This is necessary to compete with digital ride-hailing platforms that provide service with new and even luxury vehicles, unlike taxis that typically use more compact and economical models.