The United States alerts its citizens in Quintana Roo for attacks by taxi drivers on Uber users

The US State Department has issued a security alert for all citizens who are in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

According to the alert, a call is made to American vacationers to be vigilant and consider their tourist destinations since in the area there have been clashes between local taxi drivers and Uber operators that have affected users of the platform, who, for the most part, tend to be tourists.

“In the wake of recent incidents involving taxi and Uber drivers in Quintana Roo, U.S. citizens are reminded of guidance provided on Travel.State.gov, specifically about the use of application-based transportation services in Mexico, which states: Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another safe alternative to taxis.

“Official complaints against Uber and other drivers do occur, however, and past disputes between these services and local taxi unions have occasionally turned violent, resulting in injuries to U.S. citizens in some instances.” read the alert.

The wave of attacks is the result of a court case won by Uber in which the platform is given the right to operate in the Mexican state, an action that is opposed by local taxi drivers, especially in tourist areas, such as Cancun.

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Warning about other crimes in Mexico

Throughout the alert, the authorities also warn about other “widespread and common” crimes and present in “all destinations” in Mexico, which range from “violent crimes, such as homicides and kidnappings” to “carjacking and robberies”.

If you were a victim or know someone who has had some type of security-related problem in Mexico, the Embassy of the United States recommends seeking assistance at 55 8526 2561 if you are speaking from Mexico or at 1-844-528-6611 if you are already in the United States.