Tulum Taxi Users Report Fare Hikes of up to 223%

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Taxi passengers in Tulum are denouncing fare increases of up to 223 percent under a new rate schedule circulated by the local drivers’ union, which they say has no official authorization.

The rate table distributed by the “Tiburones del Caribe” union divides the city into 24 zones and is presented as the official fare schedule. But the document contains no agreement number, signature, seal or authorization reference from the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute (Imoveqroo), the state agency that regulates public transport.

Compared with the state-approved fare schedule from 2019, several common trips have become significantly more expensive. A ride within Tulum’s downtown now costs 50 pesos, up from 30; a trip from downtown to Tumben Kah has risen from 37 to 60 pesos; and a ride to Yaax Tulum increased from 32 to 70 pesos.

“You used to be able to take a taxi for a short trip without thinking twice,” said Rafael Pérez, a local resident. “Now 50, 60 or 70 pesos cuts into daily spending, especially for those of us who use the service constantly.”

The increases are particularly visible in neighborhoods such as La Veleta. Under the 2019 fare schedule, a trip from downtown cost 31 pesos. The new table divides the neighborhood into three zones, charging 50, 80 and 100 pesos; the ride to Veleta Zone 3 represents an increase of roughly 223 percent. At Aldea Zamá, a route previously set at 49 pesos now costs between 80 and 100 pesos depending on the sector.

Margarita Carmina, another passenger, said the main frustration is not knowing the fare before getting in. “Sometimes you ask how much it costs, and it depends on the driver,” she said. “As users we need a rate schedule that is truly authorized, visible and respected by everyone; otherwise, we don’t know what the correct price is.”

The new rate structure also sets fares of 200, 250 and 300 pesos for trips to tourist and coastal areas. It expands the number of zones from 18 under the 2019 schedule to 24, adding subdivisions within La Veleta and Aldea Zamá.

Rodolfo Pech said the increases fall hardest on residents who rely on taxis. “We’re not only talking about tourists. Workers and families use taxis too, and these increases end up hitting our pockets directly,” he said.

State law requires public transport fares to be set and published by the competent authority, and no post-2019 agreement has been made public to support the amounts the union is charging. Residents are asking Imoveqroo to clarify the current official fares for Tulum and determine whether the prices displayed by drivers are authorized, so as to prevent arbitrary charges and give clarity to residents and visitors alike.