Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — After the recent implementation of ferry rate increases, the Comprehensive Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo) made it clear that it is not involved. The agency says that ferry rate hikes are a matter between the service companies and the Federal Commission on Economic Competition (Cofece).
Guillermo Renteria Zúñiga, Operations Manager of the Administración Portuaria Integral de Quintana Roo (Apiqroo), explained that the regulation of tariffs is the sole and exclusive responsibility of the Comisión Federal de Competencia Económica (Cofece) and does not involve them.
The explanation came after an unannounced rate hike by both Ultramar and Winjet. Both tourists and residents are being hit with a rate increase of approximately 20 percent on the Playa del Carmen-Cozumel ferry route.
“Complaints about the increase in tariffs must be made to Cofece, which will define whether the tariffs are in accordance, or whether there was indeed an abuse of the company that is applying them, but that will be decided by the authority,” said Guillermo Renteria Zúñiga.
He added that the relationship with ferry companies and Apiqroo is related to the use of port infrastructure, since the vessels are private property.
“The use of port infrastructure is regulated by us, but the rate of the ferries, as a company, is not regulated by us, Cofece does that,” he reiterated.
It is the second rate hike for the ferry crossing so far this year.
