Cancun Taxi Drivers Forced To Attend Training On Dealing With Passengers After Rise In Complaints
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CANCÚN | The behavior of some Cancun taxi drivers over the last month or so has been anything but professional, with some even going so far as to harass potential customers. In February alone, 60 or more taxi drivers were sanctioned for exactly this reason and for violating the “Zero Tolerance” rule of the Andres Quintana Roo Taxi Drivers Union.
Taxi Waiting in the Cancun Hotel Zone
As a result of their actions, these Cancun taxi drivers are being forced to attend training on dealing with passengers due to the rise in complaints being reported.
Who Organized The Training Course
It is the leader of the Andres Quintana Roo Taxi Drivers’ Union, Heriberto Núñez Cauich, that managed and offered the training course for the drivers that are part of the union. Four members of the Ministry of Labor participated in the teaching of the course. The course was mandatory for all drivers who have received a sanction for their behavior.
What The Training Courses Purpose Is
During the training course, the focus was addressing issues that have to do with the “Zero Tolerance“ program. This includes but is not limited to issues regarding labor regulations, quality of service, empathy, and assertive communication. It is the goal that the training course will help drivers provide better service to customers, as well as reestablish the standards for dealing with passengers.
Why Do Drivers Need This Training
In recent months taxi drivers in Cancun have been in the news quite a bit due to their response to the legalization of Uber to operate in the city. Reports of harassment from taxi drivers have come from both Uber drivers and tourists that have used Uber since it has been allowed to operate. In some cases, the incidents have even led to violence, with taxi drivers attacking Uber drivers and/or passengers.
Taxi Driver Incidents
In one recent incident in January, a group of taxi drivers was accused of throwing rocks at an Uber vehicle with passengers on board in the Hotel Zone. In another incident that took place later in January, at least four taxi drivers were arrested in the Hotel Zone for allegedly assaulting an Uber driver. These and other similar occurrences even led to a call to boycott taxi services for an entire day in January.
Public Response
The Andres Quintana Roo Taxi Drivers’ Union, Uber drivers, and passengers are not the only ones responding to the behavior of taxi drivers. The law has also gotten involved, starting with the arrest of the taxi drivers for the January incident involving the assault. At that time, the Secretary of Public Security made it very clear that law enforcement was not going to ignore the misbehavior of taxi drivers, announcing that “any wrongdoers will be arrested and face legal charges.”
The Current Situation
It seems like the reports of attacks and harassment have slowed down in the month and a half or so since Uber got the okay to operate. Surely the arrest of drivers and the sanctions that so many have received is a deterrent for bad behavior. This mandatory training is likely also a reminder to taxi drivers that there are consequences for their actions.
Going Forward
Despite the fact that the U.S. State Department issued a warning to American travelers regarding the situation between Uber and taxi drivers, there have been no major instances of danger reported. Likely the situation will continue to get better as a result of the various actions taking place. Until it does, if you feel unsafe taking a taxi or an Uber during your Cancun vacation, there are plenty of transportation options available to book right through the airport when you book your plane ticket.
