Imoveqroo Seizes New Mototaxis in Cozumel Showdown

The Institute of Mobility of Quintana Roo (Imoveqroo) confiscated seven three-wheeled motorcycles, which had just arrived on the island via a ferry. These vehicles were still in a federal enclosure and had not yet been used illegally. The motorcycles were brought by seven individuals who planned to establish a new mototaxi group.

Their arrival at the mainland cargo terminal was noticed, and upon their arrival in Cozumel, they were met by Imoveqroo inspectors and leaders of the three existing mototaxi groups. These groups are opposed to the introduction of more mototaxis on the island.

Despite the motorcycles being unlabeled and still within the federal enclosure, the inspectors, encouraged by the rival leaders, seized the seven vehicles. They claimed these motorcycles were providing a "mototaxi service", which was not true.

Francisco Centeno Ku, a former councilor of Cozumel, arrived at the dock and revealed that he was the legal representative for these individuals. Upon questioning, he confirmed that they were attempting to start a fourth mototaxi association and would request an inspection by Imoveqroo. If denied, they would seek legal protection to operate.

Despite the tense situation, there were no attempts to hinder the actions of the authorities. It's important to note that the Mobility Law states mototaxis cannot operate on the islands. However, there is a degree of tolerance towards the three existing organizations, who have even been inspected by Imoveqroo and operate with decals, albeit without formal permits.

The leaders of these groups claim they have been promised a reform in the law to allow their regulation before the election day. The three existing groups are the CTM, with 180 vehicles; the COR 80, with 135; and the Cozumel Cooperative (CozuCoop), with 120 mototaxis.

They argue that the island is becoming overcrowded with mototaxis. In just two years, the number of mototaxis has reached nearly half the size of the taxi fleet, which has been established over half a century.