Quintana Roo Government Vows to Keep Tough Penalties for Violent Transit Operators

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The state government will continue imposing exemplary sanctions on public transit operators involved in violence, aggression, or overcharging, said Government Secretary Cristina Torres Gomez, stressing that the strategy to regulate the service will not be relaxed.

Torres Gomez said strict measures have been in place since the start of the current administration to ensure the safety and peace of mind of users of concessionary transit across the state.

“We are not going to relax it, we are not going to relax it. We made that clear from the day we brought order, sat down, and organized it,” she said.

The goal is to prevent any conduct that undermines the proper provision of public service, she noted, reminding that concessionaires exercise a responsibility delegated by the state and must therefore meet safety and behavior standards.

“The objective is that no one should have to commit acts of violence or any situation that undermines safety and tranquility in the provision of the service,” she said.

Sanctions apply not only to operators but also to public servants responsible for overseeing transit operations when they are negligent in their duties, she added.

Torres Gomez said she did not have the latest updated count but estimated that more than 20 cases have been sanctioned in various municipalities, mainly in Benito Juárez (Cancún), Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Penalties include permanent license revocation, temporary driving restrictions, mandatory anger management and behavior courses, and criminal complaints when actions constitute crimes.

“There have been everything from permanent license revocation to actions before the Prosecutor’s Office because the conduct amounts to a crime,” she explained.

Torres Gomez highlighted that after amendments to the transit law and regulations, authorities can now initiate investigations based on complaints posted on social media.

“Even, after the law and regulations were modified, it was established that investigations can be initiated based on news on social networks,” she said.

She clarified that in all cases, the right to a hearing is guaranteed before a final sanction is imposed, and only proven facts are punished.