Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — A taxi driver videoed interfering with an Uber driver and his passenger has been suspended from all public service. The state’s Mobility Institute (Imoveqroo) said the Playa del Carmen taxi driver was permanently suspended for the assault.
On Wednesday, the Mobility Institute of the State of Quintana Roo (Imoveqroo) announced that they decided to apply an exemplary sanction to the taxi driver, prohibiting him from driving any type of public transport vehicle in Quintana Roo.
According to Imoveqroo, this measure was taken as part of the “zero tolerance” policy toward acts of violence and abuse in the state’s public transportation sector.
The permanent suspension was made after the Lázaro Cárdenas del Río union taxi driver was videoed by the Uber driver. The 40-second clip showed the PDC taxi driver blocking the road with his cab then getting out to verbally harass both the Uber driver and his passenger, a tourist.
Several other taxi drivers can be seen videoing the incident and making comments to the Uber driver while the now-suspended PDC driver opens the front door and exchanges words with the Uber passenger. The passenger, an adult man, tries to close his door but is stopped by the taxi driver who continues his verbal assault.
The incident happened near 4th Street and 10th and 15th Avenues in central Playa del Carmen Wednesday. After reviewing the video, Imoveqroo announced the taxi driver’s permanent suspension. The PDC taxi union also confirmed he been suspended indefinitely.
On Wednesday, Imoveqroo issued a statement announcing the permanent ban on the operator, prohibiting him from operating any public transportation mode in the state.
“This Institute acts with firmness and authority, ensuring that abuse, disrespect and acts of violence will not be tolerated on public transportation. We will apply all sanctions provided by law to protect the safety and well-being of our citizens,” the document stated.
Likewise, the Lázaro Cárdenas del Río Taxi Drivers’ Union confirmed the driver’s indefinite suspension, considering his behavior contrary to the principles of service and respect for passengers.
They noted that the sanctions are based on articles 122 section XV, 198 section III subsection C, 199, 200, 201 and 202 of the Mobility Law of the State of Quintana Roo, which empower the authority to revoke the license and concession of operators involved in violent acts.
