Uber and Mexico City Taxis End 13-Year Feud

After thirteen years of street battles and protests, Uber and Mexico City's licensed taxi drivers just became partners.

The rideshare giant announced a groundbreaking alliance with MX Taxi that brings licensed cabs into the Uber app. Passengers can now request traditional taxis through a new option, complete with upfront pricing and planned destinations.

The partnership works differently than regular Uber rides. Fares follow government-approved taxi rates instead of Uber's pricing structure, and there's no surge pricing during busy times. Taxi drivers keep their independence and aren't converting to Uber drivers, but they gain access to features like 24/7 support, insurance coverage, and RideCheck safety tools.

Around 3,500 of Mexico City's 45,000 licensed cabs are already participating in the pilot program. The rollout will expand city by city, focusing first on major markets like Guadalajara and Monterrey, which will host World Cup matches in June 2026.

For MX Taxi spokesman Erasto Vázquez, the deal marks a "new era" for an industry that lost 60% of its street presence after Uber arrived in 2013. Active taxi numbers dropped from roughly 100,000 to 45,000 as riders flocked to the app.

Uber's general manager Félix Olmo says the partnership addresses demand that exceeds available drivers, especially with millions of tourists expected for the World Cup. The company recently launched Uber Shuttle in Mexico City too, offering fixed-route van service at lower prices than traditional rides.

The Ripple Effect

This truce could reshape urban transportation across Mexico and beyond. By combining traditional taxi infrastructure with modern app technology, both sides are creating a model that preserves regulated fares while offering the convenience riders want.

The deal gives taxi drivers access to Uber's massive rider pool without forcing them to abandon their licenses or lose pricing protections. Passengers get more options and the safety features they've come to expect from app-based services.

The partnership doesn't resolve every conflict, though. Mexico City's airport remains contested territory, with federal authorities still restricting app-based pickups despite Uber's claims of legal protection. Recent changes have created a designated waiting zone about eight minutes' walk between terminals.

Still, former enemies sitting at the same table shows how competition can evolve into cooperation when both sides see benefits.