Transport Union Threatens to Suspend Tulum-Playa del Carmen Route Over Passenger Limit Dispute

A white van from the Untrac transport union parked on a street in Tulum, Quintana Roo.

Tulum, Quintana Roo — The National Union of Transport for Change (Untrac) Section 2 is threatening to suspend its van service between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, citing a dispute with the Lázaro Cárdenas del Río taxi union over passenger capacity.

Moisés Pool Quijano, leader of Untrac Section 2, said that since Tuesday the Playa del Carmen union has limited Untrac vans to carrying only 10 passengers, while both the Lázaro Cárdenas del Río and Tiburones del Caribe unions are allowed to fill their vans with up to 15 passengers.

Pool argued that the restriction violates a longstanding agreement to operate on equal terms.

“We are in a problem that could escalate to another level,” he warned. “We are trying to handle it diplomatically so as not to cause problems for the government or society in general, but there could be a stoppage of all vans on the Tulum-Playa del Carmen route.”

The demand comes at a time of low tourist traffic, Pool added, when operators need every possible passenger just to cover fuel and other costs.

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By Staff Desk

The Riviera Maya News & Events Staff Desk covers local events, cultural celebrations, community stories, and general news from across the Riviera Maya and Yucatán Peninsula. The Staff Desk produces timely coverage of festivals, municipal announcements, community initiatives, and stories that don't fall under a single specialist beat, ensuring that every corner of the region receives balanced attention.The Staff Desk draws from municipal calendars, event organizers, community submissions, and official announcements to keep English-speaking readers informed about what's happening in their communities — from charity events and school programs to local government services and cultural exhibitions.When individual bylines are not used, the Staff Desk attribution reflects collaborative reporting by the editorial team, with the same editorial standards, fact-checking, and translation review applied to every story.