Tulum Taxi Turmoil: Golf Cart Invasion Divides Community

The Quintana Roo state congress has approved a proposal from the Institute of Mobility of Quintana Roo (Imoveqroo) to permit up to 400 golf carts to operate as transportation services in the municipality of Tulum. The decision has sparked mixed reactions among the local community.

In a session held on Tuesday, January 28, the congress granted 400 concessions to four private companies. CMX Logistic Center S.A. de C.V. received 30 concessions, Inmomercaqroo S.A. de C.V. received 90, Metromobility Group S.A. de C.V. got 112, and Roasteryc S.A. de C.V. was awarded 168 concessions.

These companies are now authorized to operate their vehicles in various parts of Tulum, not just in the coastal zone and other specific areas like Jaguar Park. This expansion of operation zones was previously communicated to trade unions, including Tiburones del Caribe.

This development has led to some dissatisfaction among taxi drivers who currently provide services in the town center. The union argues that the new golf cart units do not adhere to the same procedures, regulations, operating expenses, and fares as traditional taxis.

However, local business owners and residents view the golf cart initiative as a potentially beneficial solution for improving mobility in the area. The effectiveness of this new transportation option remains to be seen.

According to the Quintana Roo State Mobility Law and its Regulation, the golf cart public transportation service must meet specific requirements and technical specifications. The golf carts must be open vehicles, able to transport between two and four people, or up to six passengers maximum, including the driver. The model should not exceed five years of age, counted from the year of its manufacture. It must also be environmentally friendly, running on gasoline, hybrid, or electric power, among other technical specifications.

Authorities have previously reported a positive impact from the Tulum Shield program, which they believe has effectively managed crowd control during electronic music festivals.