Minibus Fare Drama: Unauthorized Price Hike Sparks Outrage

Residents of Playa del Carmen have taken to social media to protest an unauthorized 5 peso increase in minibus fares. For two days in a row, the local taxi union has been charging 15 pesos for journeys within the city, despite this being against the law. Meanwhile, drivers in Cancún are threatening to implement the same increase from Friday, August 23. This is all happening while state-level organizations are demanding updates to fare prices.

For example, on the minibus route between Villas del Sol neighborhood and the city center, one of the longest routes, drivers have been demanding the extra 5 pesos. When passengers attempt to pay the legal fare of 10 pesos, drivers respond with annoyance that they are "5 pesos short."

In Cancún, some drivers have even posted notices inside their vehicles stating, "Starting Friday, August 23, the cost of the service is 15 pesos." This means that from Friday, residents of Cancún will need to find an extra 5 pesos for their travel.

However, the Mobility Institute of Quintana Roo (Imoveqroo) has stated that no fare increases have been authorized. The head of Imoveqroo, Luis Rodrigo Alcázar Urrutia, said that all fare increases would be illegal. He acknowledged that an analysis of fares is currently underway, as there has not been an increase for eight years. He also noted that the cost of supplies and wages are rising, and they are asking for an analysis from the concessionaire to determine if an increase is necessary and, if so, how much it should be.

Meanwhile, transportation sector leaders and business people in Quintana Roo met in Cancún to discuss their economic situation. They agreed on the need for a fare adjustment, expressing concern that authorities have not authorized a cost increase for eight years. They pointed out the rising cost of supplies and fuel, which threatens jobs and could have a social impact.