UBER-LATAM Violence and protests as Uber comes under attack in Mexico, Colombia

Record ID: 145817

  • Title: UBER-LATAM Violence and protests as Uber comes under attack in Mexico, Colombia
  • Date: 30th July 2015
  • Summary: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (JULY 29, 2015) (REUTERS) COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER FOR UBER LATIN AMERICA, LORENA VILLARREAL, DURING REUTERS INTERVIEW (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER FOR UBER LATIN AMERICA, LORENA VILLARREAL, SAYING: "What happened yesterday was a very serious incident which we condemn and is unacceptable in Mexico and in any other city in the world. Violence is unacceptable. We invite everyone to have a dialogue and we're open to working with authorities and taxi associations to benefit citizens."
  • Embargoed: 14th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVAE7AQUKACVT7W41BTEZ9WBANLM
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Taxi drivers in Mexico and Colombia came out to protest against popular car hailing app Uber on Wednesday (July 29) accusing the company of stealing their business just one day after various Uber vehicles were violently attacked by a group of armed men in Mexico City.
    Earlier this month Mexico City became the first city in Latin America to regulate Uber, announcing rules that include a 1.5 percent ride levy, a yearly permit fee and a minimum vehicle value. The move has angered taxi drivers who say the local government has caved into the demands of the San Francisco-based company.
    Mexican taxi drivers protested outside Colombia's embassy in the capital as their Colombian counterparts took to the streets against the app.
    "We're here in front of this embassy to show our support and protest the global discontent from legal taxi unions who are against these transnational apps which perpetuate a crime each time they transport a passenger," said Ignacio Rodriguez, a representative of a taxi organisation in Mexico City.
    On Tuesday (July 28), various Uber vehicles operating near Mexico City's international airport were violently attacked. Those behind the attacks accused Uber of operating from taxi stands designated for traditional cabs authorised by the government.
    No Uber drivers or passengers were reportedly hurt in the attacks.
    Speaking to Reuters, Communications Manager for Uber in Latin America, Lorena Villarreal, vehemently condemned the act and called on all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve differences.
    "What happened yesterday was a very serious incident which we condemn and is unacceptable in Mexico and in any other city in the world. Violence is unacceptable. We invite everyone to have a dialogue and we're open to working with authorities and taxi associations to benefit citizens," she said.
    Latin America's largest economy Brazil has also seen taxi drivers protest against Uber. In Sao Paulo and Brasilia, lawmakers have already voted to ban Uber following the demonstrations. The bill still require executive approval before taking force.
    Villarreal said that the car-hailing app is still operating as per normal in Brazil.
    "In Brazil, we continue to operate normally, the same in Colombia. We know that normally new technology could be disruptive in cities and normally technology advances more rapidly than regulations. So, this is why we're completely open to working with the government so that theirs is regulation to place citizens as the priority and which benefits everyone," she said.
    According to Uber, Mexico City is the largest city in the world to regulate ride-hailing apps and is one of its biggest markets. In the Mexican capital alone there are some 10,000 drivers on the road and half a million registered users, according to the company.
    There were similar protests against Uber in the Colombian city of Cali. Taxi drivers say Uber does not have the same cost overheads as them and is operating at an unfair competitive advantage.
    "We are sick of so many illegal applications (apps). Uber is sincerely killing us. Now they (Uber drivers) are even charging less than us (taxi drivers). A client has told me that they charge less than us," said taxi driver, Fernando Sanchez Pena.
    The convenience of hailing a taxi from your phone has seen Uber's spread into central business districts, shopping centres and hotels.
    "On a national level, they (Uber drivers) are getting us at the hotels, the shopping centres, restaurants… So, they are leaving us without work, out of the job," added taxi driver, Carlos Arturo.
    The controversial ride-hailing service, which has been valued at over $40 billion, has been banned in countries like France, Portugal and Spain.
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