Background on the Situation
Authorized taxi drivers working near Mexico City’s International Airport (AICM) have expressed their concerns about the potential imposition of foreign taxi apps like Uber or Didi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They argue that these foreign companies do not adhere to the established regulations, including tax payments and rights.
Taxi Drivers’ Grievances
The taxi drivers have accused both FIFA and Mexico’s Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) of attempting to enforce the use of taxi apps without ensuring compliance with existing regulations.
- Taxi drivers claim that SICT officials have confirmed they are working “behind the scenes” on a proposal to allow taxi apps to operate without meeting all the required standards for legally authorized permit holders.
- These standards include safety measures, general communication channels, and vehicle regulations for passenger transport services at federal airports.
- Taxi drivers argue that app-based services avoid paying the same contributions and fees that are mandatory for legally authorized permit holders.
Taxi Drivers’ Response and Next Steps
In response to these concerns, taxi driver associations from various Mexican cities—including Monterrey, Guadalajara, Veracruz, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, San Luis Potosí, León, Cancún, Los Mochis, Hermosillo, Chihuahua, Morelia, Puerto Escondido—along with Nueva Imagen, Yellow Cab, Sitio 300, SPAASA, and Porto Taxi at the AICM have declared their intentions:
- To demand a “level playing field” in regulation and competition conditions.
- To utilize all available legal resources.
- To mobilize socially when necessary, in accordance with their constitutional rights.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? Authorized taxi drivers are concerned about foreign taxi apps operating during the 2026 World Cup without adhering to established regulations, including tax payments and rights.
- Who are the taxi driver associations involved? The associations include taxi drivers from Monterrey, Guadalajara, Veracruz, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, San Luis Potosí, León, Cancún, Los Mochis, Hermosillo, Chihuahua, Morelia, and Puerto Escondido, along with Nueva Imagen, Yellow Cab, Sitio 300, SPAASA, and Porto Taxi at the AICM.
- What actions are the taxi drivers planning to take? They intend to demand a level playing field in regulation and competition conditions, use all available legal resources, and mobilize socially when necessary, in accordance with their constitutional rights.
