Riviera Maya, Q.R. — The state’s mobility agency says taxi meter supply companies are currently being considered for testing next year.
Rodrigo Alcázar Urrutia, the Director of the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute (Imoveqroo), says they are looking into meter supply companies this year so they can move forward with taxi meter testing in 2025.
He says they intend to begin testing sometime next year starting with Cancun taxis. The results of that test will be used to define the meter application throughout the rest of the state.
Although he did not provide numbers, he said that the tests have been delayed due to the lack of resources, but added that the money needed has already been requested from the state government.
“We are expecting the resources next year to carry out this initial test,” he said.
Despite failed attempts by previous administrations, Alcázar Urrutia says the taxi meter testing project is supported by the current legislation, which, he says, provides a solid legal basis for its implementation.
Alcázar Urrutia also noted that even with state support, they are anticipating resistance from drivers over the change but says a positive pilot test could resolve that resistance. He says it is essential to demonstrate the benefits of the meters for both passengers and taxi drivers.
Rubén Carrillo Buenfil, head of the Andrés Quintana Roo Taxi Drivers Union, acknowledged this is something that has been proposed in the past and says it is something that both Imoveqroo and the taxi unions must analyze together.
The first district in Mexico to implement the taximeter system was Mexico City where the installation of meters had a notable impact on transport regulation. The metered system promoted transparency in the collection of fares and ensured fair and equitable prices for users.
During the first few months, there was resistance from some groups who feared that the new devices would negatively affect their income, however, over time, results showed that the use of taximeters improved user confidence and helped resolve disputes related to fares.