Taxi drivers create blockade in Mexico City

Thousands of taxi drivers blocked major roadways in Mexico City Monday to protest ride-sharing apps like Uber . The city-wide blockage caused huge delays for drivers.

Cabbies say the system is unfair. They say to earn their medallions they have to pay for licensing and taxes, and pass inspections and tests. They say drivers for apps like Uber and Lyft don’t face the same level of regulation or expense.

Eduardo Elizalde has driven taxis in Mexico City for 40-years. Elizalde says drivers just ” want the laws enforced. We are not against anybody. But just as we have to pay taxes and pass exams, so should the apps. ”

Mexico City has more than nine-million residents served by nearly 140-thousand medallion cabs. It’s estimated it has just as many ride-sharing vehicles and gypsy taxis. Medallion cabbies believe they should all operate under the same rules.

KYMA 2019