Playa del Carmen, Q.R. – The Playa del Carmen taxi drivers’ union launches its first electric taxi. The new cab was unveiled Saturday. “Today marks a turning point for the taxi community. Together with BYD, we present the first electric taxi in Playa del Carmen,” said Luis Herrera Quiam, the General Secretary of the Lázaro Cárdenas del Río Taxi Drivers’ Union of PDC.
“The new era and the modernization of our industry are already underway with cleaner, quieter and more efficient transportation for the city we love,” he said.
The car was presented by Herrera Quiam in partnership with automotive company BYD, a global leader in electric vehicles. Herrera Quiam said the new vehicle represents a significant advance in the modernization of public transportation in the region.
During the presentation of the new unit, Herrera Quiam said the change marks a “before and after” for the taxi industry in Playa del Carmen, since it not only advances toward a more modern and efficient fleet, but also responds to the environmental demands of a city that is one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations.
The new, fully electric vehicle’s emission-free operation directly contributes to reducing the carbon footprint, while its quiet operation improves the quality of the urban environment.
Operating costs are also significantly reduced, which in the future could translate into more affordable fares for users and better working conditions for operators, he explained at a conference Saturday.
He said this step is just the beginning of a broader technological transition strategy, with the aim of adding more electric vehicles to the municipality’s active fleet in coming years.
This process will also include operator training, charging infrastructure and efficient route management to maximize the performance of electric vehicles. The electric taxi is currently in circulation. “If you see it passing by… ask for it! Hop on and experience the future of mobility in Playa del Carmen,” he said.
