Is there Uber in Cozumel, Mexico or the state of Quintana Roo?

Greg Lupone at stingrayvilla.com said:

The Taxi Union's Stand-off with Uber

While Uber might be a go-to in many places across Mexico, Cozumel and the larger state of Quintana Roo have dug in their heels. The local taxi union, a significant regional force, has clarified that Uber is not welcome on the island. They’ve pushed back hard, creating a tense situation that’s made it risky for Uber drivers and passengers to operate in Cozumel.

Legal Battles and Recent Developments

Uber hasn’t given up the fight just yet. They’ve been tangled up in legal battles trying to get a foothold in Cozumel. Early in 2023, they scored a small win when the local authorities finally recognized Uber as a legitimate private ridesharing service in Quintana Roo. But don’t get your hopes up too high—there’s still a lot of red tape. The local taxi drivers are demanding that Uber follow the same strict rules they do, which is slowing down the process of Uber officially operating on the island.

Safety Concerns and Hotel Warnings

Now, this is where things get a bit dicey. There have been reports of conflicts between Uber drivers and local taxi drivers, especially near hotels. This has raised some concerns about passenger safety. Many Cozumel hotels advise their guests to avoid using Uber and stick with other forms of transport until the dust settles.

Even the U.S. Department of State has chimed in, issuing a travel alert for visitors heading to Cozumel, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. They’re urging caution when using app-based rides like Uber, citing incidents of violence between taxi drivers and Uber drivers as the reason to be extra careful.

So, What Are Your Options?

Even though Uber and Lyft aren’t available in Cozumel right now, you’ve still got plenty of options to get around. Taxis are easy to find and reliable—you’ll spot them in town, near the ferry terminal, or parked outside most hotels. If you’re independent, you can always rent a car or bicycle and explore the island at your own pace. Cozumel is small enough to get from one side to the other quickly.

Looking Ahead: Is Uber Coming to Cozumel?

While Uber has made strides in other parts of Mexico, like Mexico City, its road to popular tourist spots like Cozumel is still pretty rocky. Between government regulations and the fierce opposition from the taxi union, it’s hard to say when (or if) Uber will be a full-on option here. Until things smooth out, your best bet is to stick to the local taxis or other recommended transportation options.

So, even if you can’t hop in an Uber yet, don’t worry! Cozumel is still a breeze to explore, with taxis, rentals, and bikes available to cruise around and enjoy everything this stunning island offers.