Mexico City taxi drivers block traffic to protest Uber

MEXICO CITY – Thousands of medallion taxi drivers have parked their cars to block major Mexico City thoroughfares to protest ride-hailing apps such as Uber.

Hundreds of taxi drivers gather round the Angel of Independence monument to protest ride apps, in Mexico City, Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. The protesters want the apps banned, arguing that the apps are unfair competition because those drivers are more loosely regulated and don’t have to pay licensing fees. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

The ranks of white-and pink cabs caused major, hours-long delays for motorists Monday.

Taxi drivers say they have to comply with requirements for licensing, tax, inspection and tests that the ride-hailing apps don’t have to endure.

Eduardo Elizalde is a veteran with 40 years behind the wheel of Mexico City cabs.

He said drivers “want the laws enforced. We are not against anybody.

But just as we have to pay taxes and pass exams, so should the apps.”

The city of 9 million has about 140,000 medallion cabs, and probably that many ride-hailing cars and gypsy cabs.

New entrants like the Chinese app Didi have swelled the ranks. /gsg