Government Officials Meet with Puerto Vallarta Taxi Drivers

Secretary of Tourism for the state of Jalisco, Enrique Ramos Flores, and the Secretary of Transportation, Mauricio Gudiño, attended a meeting today with taxi drivers and managers in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Among the topics discussed was the responsibility of the Secretary of Tourism in Jalisco to ensure proper training of taxi drivers.

Enrique Ramos Flores, said in the meeting that the increase rate of taxis in Puerto Vallarta is an issue of competence of the Secretary for Transportation, Mauricio Gudiño, and not of the Ministry of Tourism, however reiterated that it is up to Setujal (Secretary of Tourism Jalisco) to ensure training for service providers.

Flores added that it was important for taxis to be maintained, cleaned, and in good working order, as they are many times the first impression guests have of our city upon arriving at the airport.

The long-standing conflict between taxi drivers and tour operators were met with sarcasm. Tour operators have been banned from picking up tour clients from many area hotels, a ´policy pushed by taxi unions. Flores indicated the problem wouldn’t exist in the next month because there will be enough tourist dollars to spread around, referring to the upcoming “high season” for travel to Puerto Vallarta.

All sides agreed that working together will provide better services and benefit the service providers and tourism sector of our area.

“It is always healthy communication, there is dialogue between the parties so that finally we are all aware that above the interest of groups or individuals, is the interest of Puerto Vallarta,” says Flores.

Flores noted that while the area is still in its slower season for tourism, he believes the joint promotions of Vallarta-Nayarit has improved the income of transportation workers from last year, and expects a better winter season than 2014.

Not addressed at the meeting were the real concerns of the public and tourists in Puerto Vallarta, such as price gauging, inconsistent fares, and a lack of fare rates posted.