MEXICO CITY– Uber drivers called for a protest today to pressure the Mexico City government and the owners of the transportation company. However Mexico City police blocked the protests route.
The drivers have multiple demands, including the elimination of the Uber Pool service. According to the drivers, the percentage that the company takes from the Uber Pool fares is excessive and reduces the drivers’ income compared to the regular Uber service. The drivers are seeking a 20 percent increase in the percentage of the fare that they receive.
Another demand is to charge the client for service from the moment that the driver accepts the trip. They are also requesting that clients to pay at least 35 pesos ($1.86) for any cancellation.
The drivers planned to depart at 9 a.m. in two caravans, one from the Mexico City Airport and the other from the Azteca soccer stadium, to converge at the Angel of Independence statue on Avenida Reforma. However, from 8:30 a.m. on they were blocked by police patrol cars and unable to advance. Shortly after 11 a.m., the authorities allowed about 100 vehicles to pass through that had gathered on Oriente 37, in the Peñón de Bañós neighborhood near the airport. However, the police continued to impede the passage of the caravan of approximately 80 vehicles.
The drivers demanded to be let through, but at 11:20 a.m. the police had still not responded to the demand.
