Use tranfser now regulated by sintra?

I posted this on the Cancun Forum too...

We recently made a reservation for our hotel transfer with USA Tranfer and just received this email... Sounds shady...Has anyone experienced this yet??? Input is greatly appreciated!


Hola,

I have a quick notice for you!

As of May 12th, there is a new government agency called 'SINTRA' that is NOT allowing payment in cash to transportation companies for departures. This agency is to 'protect' the taxi drivers from services they claim they are losing. They are randomly checking vehicles and asking clients if they are paying in cash for the service. Also, taxi drivers and bellboys are asking clients while they are waiting at the hotel 'who they are waiting for and what they are paying' for the service. If the client says 'yes I am paying x', then they radio Sintra and stop the vehicle. Once they stop the vehicle the client is forced to leave the vehicle and take a taxi.

Sounds ridiculous? It is, however, at this time there is nothing we can do about it.

So, I am afraid I have to change our agreement with regards to you paying a balance on departure.

You have 2 options. 1) You can pay the driver in full upon arrival in cash OR 2) We can send you a link where you can pay on-line now for the total service.

In either case please reply to this email (include your name or acct number) so we can adjust your account balance and send you a new departure voucher.

If you have any questions please let me know.

 

I would reply and opt for the "pay your driver in full at time of arrival"......definately not give account or personal info in response to the email!

 

Have to agree 1000% here!!

 

Yeah i would investigate further, google or look up that company and inquire about that, ask someone that lives in cancun... or pick a different service , brants for something private

 

We just received the same email and are scheduled to use the service next Friday the 21st. I'm sending him a note that we will pay in full when we are picked up since you pretty much pay in full up front anyway. When they pick you up you pay $45 then pay $10 on the return trip to the airport. Not really much of a difference paying the $55 up front.

We use these guys every trip and have never had a problem in somewhere around 15 trips.

Firm

 

i would not answer that email, i am sure Steve (owner of this board) will give some straight advice once he reads this post. i know this man, his is trustworthy and honest.

 

Just got the email and contacted them via web chat. not much to worry about. Simply pay now Visa/Mastercard or cash on arrival.

 

It just sounds fishy. What's the big deal if you pay part now and part later. If anything that allows customers to feel like they're actually going to get picked up.

 

is it ever not fishy, your in a forign country. We went to a resort in PV. There were 2 cab companies, one could pick up and take you to the city the other could take you back to the resort but when they got to the resort they couldnt pick anyone up. and vica versa. Strange trip.

Agree, you know you are going to get picked up if you still owe them but on the other hand they are waiting for you at the airport without any funds.

I still trust Brant.

 

It seems to me that if I pay 45 upfront then I'm paying in full the part I'm using. The return to the airport is the part of concern but the I pay the other part so now it is in full. So I don't understand why you would need a policy like this. If it's true it's dumb but I think we need more info. Steve can you help us out.