“Are Mototaxis a Menace to Tourists in Cozumel and Isla Mujeres?”

The hotel industry has voiced concerns that changes to the local Mobility Law could permit mototaxis to operate on the primary avenues of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, posing potential dangers to tourists. Jesús Almaguer Salazar, president of the Association of Hotels in Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres, expressed concerns that these mototaxis could also lead to traffic congestion on these roads.

Salazar described the situation as complex, noting that while mototaxis provide a means of transportation, they may not be the safest option and could contribute to traffic chaos. He suggested that the introduction of mototaxis as a public transportation service should be limited in the municipalities of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel to prevent traffic overload on these islands.

Salazar questioned the necessity of adding mototaxis to the existing transportation options, which already include golf carts and taxis. He urged consideration of the state's reputation as a tourist destination, emphasizing the importance of safety, transportation, and maintaining order, especially in tourist areas.

Salazar noted that traffic is already congested, and the addition of mototaxis would exacerbate the situation. He called for a halt to this increase, acknowledging the need for people to earn a living but stressing the importance of maintaining order.

The Legislative Observatory of Quintana Roo also addressed the issue, noting that the formalization of permits for mototaxis would regulate an already existing service in Cozumel. However, the organization warned that this could create additional problems, further complicating traffic on the islands.