Taxi Drivers Throw Stones and Clash... Mexico Cancun Suffers from Uber Conflicts

Regular Taxi Drivers Demand "Uber Cease Operations"
Court Rules "Uber Operations Are Not Problematic," Faces Backlash
Korean Embassy Produces Cancun Travel Safety Guide

In the world-renowned resort city of Cancun, Mexico, taxi operators are strongly opposing the ride-sharing company 'Uber' (UBER).

Taxi drivers obstruct Uber and even engage in physical altercations

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

According to Mexican daily newspapers El Universal and La Jornada on the 25th (local time), taxi drivers in Cancun, Quintana Roo, a popular tourist destination, are demanding a halt to Uber's operations. Taxi drivers have been threatening Uber drivers to prevent them from parking near the airport and have sometimes resorted to physical fights.

On the 23rd, drivers from 14 taxi unions in downtown Cancun simultaneously blocked roads around the airport and hotels to disrupt Uber services. Videos showing several taxi drivers confronting Uber drivers and engaging in scuffles have also been posted on social media. As a result, there is a growing movement online encouraging people to avoid taking taxis for a day on the 27th.

Conflict over Uber... not new

Beachfront in Cancun, Mexico
Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The conflict between the taxi industry and Uber in Cancun has continued for years, including incidents where stones were thrown at Uber vehicles. Recently, a court ruled that "Uber is not public transportation but a service based on agreements between private parties," stating that Uber's operations are not problematic. This ruling has sparked dissatisfaction among taxi drivers. The court also rejected the taxi industry's claims that they are threatened by unfair competition.

Following the ruling, Uber operations have become possible in other famous Caribbean resorts such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum. In response to the escalating opposition from taxi drivers, Mexican authorities deployed around 200 military and police personnel around airports, hotel districts, and beaches. Mexican President Andr?s Manuel L?pez Obrador stated at a press conference that "Governor Mara Lezama is directly engaging in dialogue with some dissatisfied parties," indicating efforts to resolve the situation.

As clashes between taxi drivers and Uber continue, the Korean Embassy in Mexico has produced a Cancun travel safety guide. The guide is available on the embassy's website, and travelers are urged to contact the embassy in case of emergencies. The U.S. government has also advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to Cancun.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.