Taxi drivers in Mexicali struggle through pandemic

MEXICALI, B.C. (KYMA, KECY)- Taxi drivers in Mexicali experience a dramatic decrease in demand during the coronavirus crisis.

Taxi drivers' say their earnings have been reduced to more than 60 percent due to a lack of passengers. Despite the fact that public transportation is classified as an essential job, profits keep decreasing for taxi drivers during this pandemic.

This is also due to the economic crisis of closed businesses and schools that prevent taxi drivers to pay the leases on their vehicles. If there are no passengers, there is no money.

Arturo Martinez, a taxi driver from the central area of Mexicali says he usually picks up passengers exiting the Calexico Port of Entry. However, rides have been reduced since the quarantine went in effect on both sides of the border, reducing his earnings to $10 a day.

Taxi drivers continue to drive to service those with no other means of transportation, even while doing so puts them at risk.