Tulum, Quintana Roo — A Tulum resident has accused a taxi driver of charging 100 pesos ($5.50) for a short trip that normally costs between 50 and 70 pesos, the latest in a series of complaints about excessive fares in the beach resort town already struggling with a tourism downturn.
The woman said the driver, a member of the Tiburones del Caribe taxi union, drove the wrong way to intercept a fare and then berated her for trying to hail another cab. The incident, which occurred between Avenida Satélite and a Soriana supermarket, was captured on video.
Residents and visitors say such overcharging is not isolated. Complaints about arbitrary fares, unfair competition among drivers, intimidation, and poor service have mounted as Tulum faces a sharp drop in visitors, forcing many businesses to close.
The Tiburones del Caribe union has not commented on any internal investigations or disciplinary actions related to the allegations.
Locals argue that excessive prices for restaurants, lodging, and transportation have made Tulum less attractive, with tourists choosing cheaper destinations that offer a better experience. Authorities have announced promotional and regulatory measures, but critics say bad practices persist, driving away both tourists and potential new residents.
