Mexico: Taxi Drivers Attack Another Uber Driver Transporting Tourists in Cancun as Feud Continues

The ongoing feud between Uber drivers and taxi drivers in Cancun, Mexico continues as two Cancun taxi drivers were arrested after attacking a van filled with tourists.

This is the latest in a series of assaults perpetrated by medallion-cab drivers in Cancun. They usually attack vehicles that they suspect are being operated by ride-hailing apps like Uber. The assault happened last Thursday and Quintana Roo state officials are now looking into the incident.

"Strong action will be taken to ensure that the state is a safe destination for local inhabitants and visitors," read a statement from the state prosecutor's office. It added that "such behavior will not be tolerated."

Videos of the assault have surfaced on social media, many of which were posted by local residents who saw the attack. The videos showed at least two uniformed cab drivers hitting a Chevy Suburban with poles and other objects, according to the Associated Press.

The video showed the van driver trying to escape his attackers with the vehicle's tailgate open. This led to the tourists' luggage spilling into the street, with three women being seen later trying to retrieve their luggage.

After the van driver escaped, the local business owner who shot the assault on camera invited the tourists to seek shelter in her store. Their driver was chased by the Cancun taxi drivers until he reached a local police officer. This led to the two attackers being arrested and then charged with robbery, and causing damage and injuries.

Non-medallion taxi drivers, especially Uber drivers around Cancun, have been harassed lately, with reports of road blockades, stone-throwing, and drivers physically getting in the way of vehicles to stop rival vehicles from driving passengers to their destinations.

Cancun Takes Drastic Measures To Stop Taxi Drivers From Attacking Uber Drivers

The incidences of medallion taxi drivers attacking their competition had become so bad in Cancun that the local government has imposed some very drastic punishments on offenders.

According to the Cancun Sun, any taxi driver caught attacking competition will be stripped of their taxi operator's license. It is noted that a driver losing his operating license is no small thing as that driver is essentially losing his livelihood should he be found liable for an attack.

This was imposed several months ago and Cancun has seen a drop in attacks. However, it seems that some taxi drivers are still unfazed as these attacks still occur, as seen by this latest incident.

Why Do Cancun Taxi Drivers Hate Uber?

According to the Cancun Sun, taxi drivers often organize blockades in the resort town so that Uber drivers and other competitors cannot operate. These disruptions, however, have caused problems with locals, so much so that residents have boycotted medallion taxis entirely.

Uber has often been criticized for its aggressive pricing strategies in new markets, and Cancun is no exception. Local cab drivers see people who use the app as unfair and have taken desperate measures to harass app drivers.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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