Chetumal, Q.R. — Chetumal taxi drivers are pushing for a huge 40 percent increase in city fares in order to make it profitable. The general secretary of the unionized Suchaa drivers say the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute (Imoveqroo) must authorize the increase so they can cover operating costs and make a profit.
Suchaa (Sindicato Unico de Choferes de Automoviles de Alquiles) General Secretary Julio César Castilla Zapata says it is urgent to make the adjustment. He says they have estimated an increase of between 30 and 40 percent is necessary.
According to Castilla Zapata, they have not had a price increase in fares since 2019, something he says, they are hoping Imoveqroo takes into consideration.
“We’re already in talks. I’m preparing the necessary paperwork and I believe we’ll see an increase in both taxi and combi fares this year. We haven’t had a fare increase since 2019, so what we’re requesting is an adjustment.
“The need for an adjustment is urgent because it’s already unsustainable especially given the price of fuel which has risen a lot. Our employees can’t afford it. We estimate we need to increase by an average of 30 to 40 percent.”
Castilla Zapata says fuel prices have the biggest impact on taxi drivers coupled with the similarly rising costs of spare parts, tires and vehicle maintenance. Therefore, it is essential that they be allowed to increase fares, something they have been waiting for since 2023 when they made their last request.
He says drivers are also facing more difficulties in renewing their vehicle permits since the Institute requires more modern units. It is one of the recommendations made by Imoveqroo in order to approve the fare increase. He says a move to more modern units will only be possible when they can raise fare prices.
“The point is the Institute tells us to improve our units but we have to work together. How do I improve them if they don’t help me get the income? It’s a never-ending vicious cycle. A combi costs between 500,000 and 600,000 pesos which is a very difficult cost to raise, then we are left in debt if the payment doesn’t come through.”
He acknowledged that of the 1,968 vehicles currently in operation, only 70 percent are considered to be in optimal condition.
