25/02/2026
The Rise of Collective Taxis in Saltillo
In the heart of Saltillo, amidst the bustling streets where numerous bus routes converge, a dedicated group of taxi drivers is offering a vital solution to hundreds of passengers. For those weary of the delays and unpredictability of public buses, these collective taxis are proving to be a true lifesaver. Saltillo's public transport system has long been criticised for being scarce, expensive, and failing to adequately serve all sectors of the city. This is particularly felt by daily commuters travelling to the northern and eastern zones for work.
In response to these challenges, a new mode of mobility has emerged: the collective taxi. These services are especially popular in the mornings, a time when the urban transport system becomes saturated, leaving passengers waiting for hours for a bus that may never arrive. The situation is so dire that in the city centre, waiting times for a bus can extend up to two hours.
From Monday to Saturday, a network of taxi drivers organises itself along Xicoténcatl and Pérez Treviño streets. Here, they pick up up to four passengers, primarily women, who need to reach their workplaces punctually. The clientele typically includes nurses, secretaries, school caretakers, shop assistants, and domestic workers heading to residential areas in the north of the city. These individuals have been relying on this taxi service, which has been operating for several months, as a more dependable alternative.
A Never-Ending Story of Waiting
Every day, Argelia wakes up at 6:00 AM. Her usual commute involves taking route 2A to the Los Álamos neighbourhood, near Pedro Figueroa boulevard, where she works for a private household. However, the bus she relies on is consistently late. "I have to wait a long time for the bus, and now it's very expensive and takes ages to arrive," she explains. "I've started travelling with 'El Güero,' who initiated this collective taxi service. It helps my finances, and I don't keep the lady of the house waiting." Argelia, who lives in the Guayulera neighbourhood, chooses to walk to the designated pick-up point to save even more money.
Upon arriving, she greets one of the drivers. "Good morning," she says, before getting into the car. "Where are you headed, ma'am?" the driver asks. "I'm going to Pedro Figueroa," Argelia replies. "Very well, we'll wait for the rest of the passengers before we leave," the driver comments. Within ten minutes, the car departs, now carrying four passengers all heading towards the northern part of Saltillo.
The Routes and Schedules
One of the primary routes starts at the corner of Xicoténcatl and Pérez Treviño streets. It proceeds towards Venustiano Carranza boulevard, then turns onto Pedro Figueroa, San Patricio, and Los Valdés, concluding its journey at a shopping centre known as Patio.
This is not the only collective taxi route operating. Another service departs from the "El Sarape" Vial Distributor and heads towards eastern Saltillo neighbourhoods such as Mirasierra, Zaragoza, Misión Cerritos, and Loma Linda. All these services operate during a specific timeframe, from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM, catering to the morning rush hour.
One of the drivers shared his perspective: "There aren't enough buses to take people. We do this because it's a necessity; the people themselves ask us for it, and how can we not help them? The unfortunate thing is that the municipality is already after us because they don't want us to work like this, but the people are the ones in need. What are we supposed to do?" This highlights the difficult position drivers are in, trying to meet a clear demand while facing potential regulatory issues.
Fare Structure
In this informal transportation system, taximeters are not used. Instead, each passenger pays a fare ranging from 15 to 20 pesos, depending on the distance to their final destination. For instance, passengers disembarking at Venustiano Carranza or Pedro Figueroa boulevards pay 15 pesos. Those travelling further, to destinations like San Patricio, Los Valdés, or Jesús Valdés Sánchez, are charged 20 pesos.
Mayra, another satisfied user of the service, commented, "It's better than paying for a bus." This sentiment is echoed by many who find the collective taxis to be a more economical and reliable option compared to the existing public transport network.
Key Advantages of Collective Taxis in Saltillo:
| Feature | Collective Taxi | Public Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | High (drivers adhere to schedules to pick up passengers) | Low (frequent delays and long waiting times) |
| Speed | Faster (direct routes, fewer stops) | Slower (numerous stops, potential for overcrowding) |
| Cost | Fixed fare (15-20 pesos), often perceived as better value | Variable fares, can be costly with infrequent service |
| Convenience | Direct pick-up and drop-off points for specific routes | Fixed bus stops, often requiring longer walks |
| Availability | Primarily during morning rush hours (7:00-9:30 AM) | Broader hours but often unreliable during peak times |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Are collective taxis safe?
While these are informal services, they are operated by licensed taxi drivers who organise themselves to meet a specific need. Passengers generally report positive experiences, valuing the punctuality and directness of the service.
Q2: What are the operating hours?
The collective taxi services primarily operate during the morning rush hours, typically from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM, Monday to Saturday.
Q3: How are the fares determined?
Fares are fixed per route, ranging from 15 to 20 pesos, based on the distance travelled. There is no use of a taximeter.
Q4: What happens if the authorities stop the collective taxis?
Drivers have expressed concerns about municipal intervention. However, the strong demand from passengers continues to fuel the service, highlighting a gap in the formal public transportation system that needs addressing.
Q5: Can I request a specific route?
The current services operate on established routes. However, given the demand, it's possible that more routes could be established if there is sufficient organisation and passenger interest.
A Necessary Innovation
The emergence of collective taxis in Saltillo is a clear indicator of the shortcomings in the current public transportation infrastructure. These services, born out of necessity, provide a reliable, affordable, and efficient alternative for many residents. While facing potential regulatory hurdles, the drivers and passengers are demonstrating a pragmatic approach to solving a persistent urban mobility problem. As Saltillo continues to grow, addressing the gaps in public transport will be crucial, and the model of collective taxis might offer valuable insights for future transportation planning.
Note: The information regarding the taxi and horse incident on the Saltillo highway is unrelated to the collective taxi service in Saltillo and has been excluded as per the instructions to stay focused on the primary topic.
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