InDrive Becomes Sole Authorized Mobility App at Cancun Airport

US-based mobility platform inDrive has officially launched operations at Cancun International Airport (CUN), becoming the first mobility app to receive full authorization to operate at the airport. Local authorities consider this the right path for digital platforms and federal tourism permit holders to offer mobility options in the city. 

inDrive announced it will operate in Cancun International through a partnership with Caribe Taxi Exprés (CTE), a tourism permit holder. This move makes inDrive the first authorized mobility platform to operate at a Mexican airport, with over 300 vehicles now available to transport tourists and residents.

The announcement was made on Dec.4, 2024, in Cancun, Quintana Roo, in the presence of local government officials, including Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama. The partnership is seen as a step toward modernizing mobility in the state and providing safer, more accessible transportation options for the millions of tourists who visit Cancun each year. Government representatives emphasized that the collaboration also supports the region's tourism sector, reinforcing Cancun as a leading global destination.

Rafael Garza, Director General, inDrive Mexico, highlighted that the partnership with CTE strengthens its commitment to providing safe, efficient, and accessible transportation services. Garza also noted that this partnership is seen as a model for future operations in other Mexican airports. The partnership expands inDrive's presence in Mexico, where it already operates in more than 58 cities, the company noted in a press release. 

Quintana Roo and Mobility Apps 

The agreement between inDrive and CTE sets a precedent for improving the relationship between mobility apps and the state. Recently, Quintana Roo has faced tensions, with over 60 reported incidents involving taxi drivers confronting app-based drivers. This has led to safety concerns among tourists, some of whom have mistakenly identified app-based drivers as regular taxi drivers. The partnership is seen as a step toward addressing these issues and enhancing the security of transportation options in the region. "Our goal is to ensure that all transportation services in the state are carried out under a framework of respect, legality, and safety for all users," said Rodrigo Alcazar, Director General, Quintana Roo’s Institute of Mobility (IMOVEQROO), referring to the detention of two taxi drivers involved in a fight.