Here we go again. New protests against Uber, Cabify and DiDi led taxi drivers and other drivers to block both entrances to Terminal 2 at Cancun International Airport (CUN).
This time, local drivers demanded that the rideshare platforms comply with Quintana Roo mobility rules and stay away from the airport.
Protesters left early in the morning from Cancun, Tulum and Solidaridad, but arrived at the airport until around noon as the caravan moved in bumper-to-bumper traffic, aiming to disrupt operations or at least impede the flow of passengers.
As a result, travelers heading to the airport had to leave their vehicles and walk to the terminal to avoid missing their flights.
The protest was resolved in the late afternoon when Franco Pineda, a commander of Quintana Roo’s National Guard, promised to increase patrols to prevent taxi drivers from operating illegally at the airport.
However, legal operators remain skeptical that police will take effective action to eradicate the problem, as the National Guard took no action when Uber drivers were reported working at the airport.
In fact, there have been clashes between legal operators and ride-sharing drivers in recent weeks. Taxi drivers are therefore determined to stop illegal activities at any cost.
“Uber is causing conflict in all countries, so I will be clear: Uber will no longer enter the airport. We want the authorities to block the application; otherwise this [demonstrations] is going to continue. People are really angrysaid a taxi driver.
Another motivation went even further, saying authorities will only enforce effective solutions after someone has died.
“Then why didn’t you show up before we got all this done?” One driver questioned the officer. ‘They won’t stop this until someone dies’ another added.
So, is the problem solved?
It’s for now. But once drivers see another Uber, Cabify or DiDi picking up passengers at the airport, more protests are likely to erupt.
Protest leaders have warned authorities that they will not stop “until these applications are removed.”
Let’s be clear: the police have already stated that they do not have the power to “remove” Uber. So this problem will not end unless they conduct permanent patrols at the airport. Something that probably won’t happen.
Therefore, make sure that you stay informed of possible blockages on site, so that you do not miss your flight.
In any case, opt for public transport systems such as buses and taxis to avoid possible acts of violence, such as those that have occurred in the past against tourists using Uber.
