14/02/2019
Toluca Taxis: Apps vs. Traditional Cabs - A Cost and Convenience Comparison
Navigating the transport landscape in Toluca, Mexico, presents a clear dichotomy for residents and visitors alike: the convenience and perceived safety of ride-sharing applications versus the established, albeit sometimes less predictable, traditional taxi services. With the rise of platforms like Uber, DiDi, and others, the way people move around the State of Mexico has been significantly impacted. This article delves into the cost, user experience, and regulatory aspects surrounding taxis in Toluca, offering a comprehensive overview for anyone looking to get from A to B.
The Rise of Ride-Sharing Platforms
The State of Mexico is home to seven licensed operation platforms for taxi services, including Uber, DiDi, Jetty, TI!M, Urvan, Inter, and Saybus. Collectively, these platforms boast a fleet of 44,324 operational vehicles, with Uber and DiDi being the most dominant players. The Secretary of Finance has outlined a set of requirements for these digital service providers, including the payment of application fees for operational studies, submission of vehicle and private transport provider registries, and technical dictations for their electronic applications. The Secretary of Finance is the issuing authority for the State Operation License, a regulation that has been in place since a decree in August 2015, which added a chapter to the Civil Code of the State of Mexico titled “The Electronic Transport Contract.” This chapter defines private passenger transport as a contractual relationship between individuals facilitated by an electronic application.
Regulatory Efforts and the Demand for a Level Playing Field
The transportation sector in Toluca, much like in many other major cities, has experienced its share of friction between traditional taxi operators and the newer app-based services. Taxistas have staged protests in various parts of Mexico City and the State of Mexico, advocating for a “level playing field.” They argue that the app-based services operate with fewer regulations and costs, thereby creating an unfair competitive advantage. In response to these concerns and to better manage the evolving transport ecosystem, the Secretary of Mobility for the State of Mexico, Raymundo Martínez Carbajal, has indicated plans to homologate the operational standards for platform-based taxis. This could involve either streamlining guidelines for traditional taxis or introducing more stringent regulations for mobile applications. The goal, as stated by Martínez Carbajal, is to minimize the unchecked presence of platforms to maintain control over the licensed service, particularly in an area with diverse mobility needs.
Developing a Public Taxi App
In a move that could bridge the gap between traditional and digital transport, the Secretary of Mobility has also floated the idea of implementing a mobile application for traditional taxis, mirroring the functionality of popular ride-sharing apps. Laura Barrera, Director of Intertraffic Mexico, a smart mobility platform, acknowledged the complexity of such an implementation. She highlighted the need for coordination among mobility groups, such as collective taxi services, to ensure operators subscribe to the application. Barrera stressed that a government-led application would need to prioritize the safety and user experience for both passengers and drivers. The adoption of mobile applications for transportation is driven by user demand for safety and convenience. Despite occasional incidents reported on some platforms, users generally place greater trust in app-based services. It's reported that 80% of Mexican internet users utilize mobility applications, with 23% specifically for taxi services, although navigation and route-finding apps remain the most popular overall.
User Experiences: Cost and Quality
A survey conducted by Primero Editores revealed that a significant majority of Toluca's citizens prefer using ride-sharing apps. The primary reasons cited are perceived safety, cleanliness, and the transparency of established fares. Daniela Cruz, a resident, shared her experience, stating that a trip from downtown Toluca to Ciudad Universitaria costs approximately 25 pesos via Uber. In contrast, the same journey in a street-hailed taxi amounts to 45 pesos. Cruz elaborated, “Taxis you hail on the street are more insecure, dirty, smell bad, and above all, are expensive. With Uber or Didi, they already have an established fare, and you can pay by card, avoiding carrying cash, which, given the current insecurity, is better.”
Eduardo Garcia, who commutes from Zinacantepec to the city center for work, also finds digital services beneficial, especially during rushed mornings. He notes that these services contribute to reducing his stress levels, attributing this to the cautious driving of the app-based drivers. Garcia commented, “Apart from the cost, I think the service is better with Didi or Uber, because they drive cautiously, or at least the drivers I’ve encountered do. Not like normal taxis where they might be talking on the phone or smoking.”
Comparative Cost Analysis (Estimated)
To provide a clearer picture, here’s an estimated comparison of costs for a common route in Toluca:
| Route | Traditional Taxi (Street Hail) | Ride-Sharing App (e.g., Uber/DiDi) |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Toluca to Ciudad Universitaria | ~ 45 pesos | ~ 25 pesos |
| Toluca Central to Zinacantepec (example) | ~ 70-90 pesos | ~ 40-55 pesos |
| Toluca Central to Airport (Toluca International - TLC) | ~ 150-200 pesos | ~ 100-130 pesos |
Note: These are estimated costs and can vary based on traffic, time of day, surge pricing (for apps), and negotiation with traditional taxi drivers.
Key Factors Influencing Choice
Several factors contribute to the preference for app-based services:
- Fare Transparency: Apps provide upfront fare estimates, eliminating the uncertainty associated with traditional taxi meters or driver negotiations.
- Payment Options: Digital payments via credit/debit cards or digital wallets offer convenience and reduce the need to carry cash.
- Safety Features: Real-time tracking, driver information, and in-app emergency features are significant draws for safety-conscious passengers.
- Driver Quality: Users often report a more professional and cautious driving style from app-based drivers, contributing to a more pleasant and less stressful journey.
- Vehicle Condition: App-based services generally maintain a higher standard of vehicle cleanliness and maintenance.
The Future of Taxis in Toluca
The ongoing discussions and potential implementation of a public taxi application suggest a move towards modernization for traditional taxi services. The goal is to integrate technology to enhance efficiency and user experience, potentially offering a hybrid model that combines the familiarity of traditional taxis with the benefits of digital platforms. As regulations evolve, it will be interesting to see how the balance between app-based services and traditional taxis shifts, and whether the proposed public app can indeed provide a competitive and reliable alternative that addresses the concerns of both drivers and passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does a taxi from downtown Toluca to Ciudad Universitaria typically cost?
An Uber or DiDi typically costs around 25 pesos, while a traditional taxi might charge around 45 pesos for the same route.
Q2: Are taxis in Toluca generally safe?
Many users find app-based taxis to be safer due to features like GPS tracking and driver identification. Traditional taxis can vary in safety standards.
Q3: Can I pay for traditional taxis with a card in Toluca?
While some traditional taxis might accept card payments, it is not as common or as seamless as with app-based services. Carrying cash is often recommended for traditional taxis.
Q4: What are the advantages of using ride-sharing apps over traditional taxis?
Advantages include fare transparency, cashless payment options, enhanced safety features, and often a more comfortable and professional service.
Q5: Is the government planning to regulate taxi apps in Toluca?
Yes, the Secretary of Mobility is exploring ways to homologate operational standards and potentially implement stricter rules for platform-based taxis to ensure fair competition and service quality.
In conclusion, while traditional taxis remain an option in Toluca, the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and perceived safety of ride-sharing applications have made them the preferred choice for a majority of the city's residents. The future may hold a more integrated system, aiming to leverage technology for all taxi services operating within the State of Mexico.
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