It appears a new schedule of rates for local taxis has been implemented which amount to around a 25% increase in fares. The drivers have been given a rate table which breaks the city into many zones, and fares are calculated from zone to zone (this is not too different from the way it was, I think, but this is much more detailed and specific than the former practice, it seems). Next time you ride, ask the driver to see the table to get a better picture of how it will work. Minimum fare for a ride which does not leave a single zone is now 23 pesos. The zones are relatively small, so most trips will not be in a single zone. A driver told me this AM that he is running into a lot of resistance to the new fares, and is willing to charge the old rate when he runs into objections. Even my wife is irate and said she's going to start taking the bus more often! ____________________
I heard about this a few weeks ago. The system is not more complicated than before. It has always been by zones, but since the $18 minimum has been in place so long, it was no longer necessary to bring out the spreadsheet. Turns out they've also raised costs for taxi drivers, so in order to pay those they need to raise the rates. I don't complain because $25 pesos is still DAMN CHEAP, and once every 4 years doesn't seem like too often to raise the rates. Tell me where you can find a cheaper taxi?
Cancun Bus system is a good one indeed!! One can travel anywhere in Cancun and never wait for more than 5 minutes for the right bus (at least that's my experience, since I almost NEVER take a cab in Cancun). Plus buses are cheap and fast!!! Love it when they **race** down the Kukulkan blvd at night or whenever they see some free space on the road in front of the bus)
We use the taxis six times a day, on average, so these fares and any increase in fares add up, just as it does for local people. While taxi fares here are low compared to the U.S., for example, they are just in line with taxi fares in other countries I've lived in, and represent the cost of investment and operating costs for the cabs, plus a modest living for their drivers. Two days ago was the first time a driver had asked for the higher fares, and half those I've used since have just charged the former fare (23 vs 29 pesos for my ride to work). While there are many buses running this route, it takes 30 minutes by bus, about 10 by cab. We almost always travel by bus in the HZ, and enjoy the convenience and low price.
The obvious for us locals is to bus it into the HZ...but I plan accordingly downtown and bus it pretty much everywhere. Most of my Mexican friends are amazed at my knowledge of where every little bus is heading. My credentials when apt hunting is what buses are around. This same discussion came about last year when I bitched about the hike in the bus fares. We all make different salaries, so all of our circumstances are different. Being commissioned based in low season does not afford me the luxuries of taxis.
I have a car so rarely use a taxi or bus, But I do use them from time to time. I know V's bride is a walking machine and I do the same. It's not unusual for me to walk round trip fromm my home near Home Depot to Plaza Las Americas. I even get really crazy sometimes. Saves gas money and gives me a good cardio workout.
well, in Toronto a single bus trip is 3$ cdn if you pay cash.... it is a bit cheaper, if you buy tokens: 2.50$ per ride. Cancun buses are CHEAAAAP compared to Toronto or any other bigger city in North America
