Cozumel Proposes Regulations for Motorcycle Taxis to Improve Mobility

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Local authorities in Cozumel are pushing forward with plans to regulate the island’s rapidly growing motorcycle taxi service, presenting proposals for designated stops and operational rules to the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute (IMOVEQROO).

Javier Alameda Polanco, Cozumel’s director of transportation, said the city government has submitted proposals to define pickup and drop-off zones as well as fixed stops, working in coordination with the Traffic Department. While regulation falls under IMOVEQROO’s jurisdiction, the municipality aims to collaborate on organizing the service.

“The proposal has already been submitted; now it’s up to them to put together all the regulatory details,” Alameda said.

Alameda acknowledged that the plans remain in project stage, as implementation depends on the institute’s timeline and priorities. He noted that some stops have already changed use, such as the one in front of San Miguel Church, which shifted from special taxis to motorcycle taxis and now even serves tourists.

“Execution in this matter is entirely the responsibility of the Mobility Institute,” he emphasized.

The municipality’s proposal includes relocating and organizing stops in the southern and northern zones and along the boardwalk, with the possibility of moving two or three existing stops and creating new ones. However, no motorcycle taxi stops are planned near the SSA pier due to opposition from local businesses, though spaces for taxis, buses, and special services remain.

Alameda added that recent issues with horse-drawn carriages in that area were due to internal service rotation problems, not limited space, and have since been resolved.

“It’s an effort that remains on the table; we need to fine-tune details and put it into practice,” he said.

The need for regulation stems from the rapid growth of motorcycle taxis on the island, and Alameda stressed the importance of coordination between the municipality and IMOVEQROO to establish operating rules and even fare structures.