Breaking News: Major Crackdown on Taxi-Uber Violence!

A new reform, aimed at curbing the ongoing conflicts between taxi drivers and Uber operators, has been approved by the Congress of Quintana Roo. This reform to the Penal Code introduces stricter sanctions for drivers involved in violent incidents, either amongst themselves or against tourists.

The reform was proposed by Governor Mara Lezama and received unanimous approval, with 20 votes in favor. It was designed to address one of the most significant mobility issues in the state: the violent confrontations between taxi drivers and Uber operators. These confrontations, which began after the introduction of digital transport services in April 2023, have negatively impacted the state's reputation as a tourist destination.

Governor Lezama emphasized the importance of the tourism industry to the state's economy and the need for effective solutions to challenges posed by increasing tourist activity. She stated, "Transportation service providers have resorted to violent acts that infringe on the rights to life, physical integrity, and property of individuals involved in passenger transportation services. These actions cannot be overlooked."

The reform proposes new categories for the crimes of injury and damage, as well as clear criteria for the revocation, suspension, or cancellation of driving licenses, permits, and concessions. The penalties for crimes of homicide and injury resulting from confrontations between public or private transportation service providers are set to increase by up to 50 percent. If the victims are minors or tourists, the sentences could increase by up to two-thirds.

Currently, these crimes carry a maximum sentence of 25 years. With the new reform, penalties could rise to a staggering 41 years in prison, depending on the circumstances and severity of the case.

Governor Lezama stated, "It is crucial to impose criminal sanctions on transportation service providers, both public and private, who commit acts of aggression against other providers or tourists. As the State government, it is our responsibility to ensure that all participants, both users and drivers, are protected by robust and fair legislation."

These crimes will be pursued ex officio, meaning the authorities can act without requiring a prior complaint. The Governor concluded, "In Quintana Roo, we will not tolerate any act that disrupts families' livelihoods or infringes on users' right to choose their preferred mode of transportation. We aim to foster healthy competition between public and private transportation services by ensuring equal conditions."