Federal Lawmaker Calls for Crackdown on Taxi Overcharging in Quintana Roo Tourist Zones

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Alleged abuses by transportation operators at airports, bus terminals, and highways in Quintana Roo have returned to public debate after a federal lawmaker called for increased oversight to prevent overcharging and intimidation of visitors during the Easter holiday period.

Federal Deputy Ernesto Sánchez Rodríguez urged state and municipal governments to verify public transportation operations and ensure security for tourists, whose visits generate significant economic benefits. The legislator referenced complaints circulating on social media about alleged abuses by drivers in the state’s tourist areas.

Sánchez Rodríguez expressed concern that during peak season, taxi drivers have been involved in incidents causing dissatisfaction among domestic and international tourists, with some cases going viral on digital platforms due to what are considered excessive fares and verbal threats.

Among recent cases, he mentioned a video in which a driver allegedly threatened to take a visitor to jail for refusing to pay 200 pesos for a trip that should have cost 100 pesos according to the complaint.

“The threat is clear: if you don’t pay, you go to jail. What kind of arrangements must these taxi drivers have with authorities to feel that freedom?” the lawmaker questioned, warning about possible institutional tolerance of these practices.

He also requested that the National Guard reinforce operations in tourist zones and highways to detect groups that, in addition to irregular charges, have been accused of practices like staged collisions to obtain money from motorists.

The deputy added that he maintains an active X account (@ErnestoSR_MX) to receive citizen reports related to abuses at airports, terminals, and highways in the state.

Sánchez Rodríguez stated that strengthening the regional economy and protecting tourism requires guaranteeing security and certainty conditions for both visitors and investors in Quintana Roo’s main destinations.