Tourists arriving at Cancun International Airport (CUN) are now at the mercy of “mafias” operating in and out of this transportation hub. This follows Uber drivers suspending operations after a series of attacks on themselves and their passengers—the tourists visiting the Mexican Caribbean.
First, you must know that ordering an Uber, Didi, or Cabify at this airport is no longer illegal.
In August 2024, the Eighth District Court ruled in favor of Uber drivers, declaring that restrictions on ride-sharing services at CUN openly violated the constitutional right to free transit.
“The court ruling, effective from Aug. 15, 2024, means that Uber drivers no longer need special permissions to operate in airport areas. This decision removes previous obstacles and allows Uber to compete directly with traditional taxi services,” says the official website.
Well, traditional taxi drivers and members of the National Guard agree to disagree.
Even after the court ruling, taxi drivers continue to claim that allowing Uber and other ride-sharing platforms to operate violates federal laws. Unfortunately, the National Guard has been seen siding with taxi unions, acting against Uber drivers and tourists.
A couple of weeks ago, three tourists were harassed, photographed and filmed after taxi drivers called the National Guard to have them arrested for ordering an Uber instead of choosing their frequent abusive fees and poor taxi service.
When one of the women argued that she was free to choose the service “she felt it was safest,” police officers placed her in an official vehicle and attempted to take her to the police station.
An Uber driver who identifies as Antonio M. warns that while legal protection is crucial, “the amparo (legal injunction or protection for Americans) won’t protect you from being attacked by [traditional] taxi drivers, the site mafias, or even the National Guard mafia at the airport. No matter how much legal protection you have.”
So, why do Uber drivers claim that the National Guard might be involved in any illegal activities at CUN? According to an April report inked by Alejandro García from Quequi News, National Guard members were allegedly colluding with local politicians to commit crimes at the airport. At the time, these crimes would primarily involve illegal taxi ownership and scams.
“Irregular operators are underhanded and even protected by members of the…
Read full article: Cancun Uber Drivers Halt Operations Over Fear of ‘National Guard Mafia’
The post “Cancun Uber Drivers Halt Operations Over Fear of ‘National Guard Mafia'” by Luka Trcek was published on 12/02/2024 by www.travelinglifestyle.net