Job Discussion Forums

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

The 25% violent crime rate sounds right for taxi drivers in the US as well. Having owned a hack, I can attest to the vast number of cab drivers who have criminal records, myself excluding. Somehow, the profession itself draws an inordinate number of people with criminal records.
Violent history can include assault and battery in a bar when another cabrone insulted you, fighting over a woman, an argument over a loan, etc. etc. Each are violent crimes.
As for the cabs in Mexico City, I would say they are probably more dangerous than those in most other cities, but not by much. Having said that I had one student three years ago who was raped by two men who climbed into her cab when the cabbie suddenly stopped in the middle of the street.
She now takes down the name of each cab driver she meets as well as the plate number and telephones her mother. If she doesn�t call her mother to confirm her safe arrival, the mother calls the police.
And the incident occurred 13 years ago!

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2010 4:14 pm Post subject: TJ too

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

Wow, that is sad. I had some guy grab my behind in the Metro once, and when I turned around and confronted him an older gentleman came to my aid, grabbed the guy by the arm and escorted him off the train at the next stop. I have actually seen the call someone with your cab driver's plate number advice given in guide books for women on staying safe. It's not a bad idea, really.

Dragonlady · Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 11:47 pm Post subject: Ladies only taxis

I think almost every city in Mexico has taxis exclusively for females, with female drivers. Just ask around.

If any of you ladies are living in or visiting Veracruz (city) or Boca del Rio you can call Mireya Chavez Matus. Her cell: (044) 2291 38 86 93

I've never had a problem with taxi drivers, and I miss the colectivos in Chiapas.

Something you don't ever want to do here (where I live) is get into a police vehicle. If you're in trouble, flag down a taxi (how ironic) Rolling Eyes

. Have them take you home, to a friend's house, the hospital, or directly to the main police station.

Best regards,
Dragonlady

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

We have NO female members of the taxista unions here in Mazatlan. Definitely an example of the "old boy's club" hehe That said, I have never felt unsafe in a taxi here. Can't speak for police cars, because I have never had the opportunity to test those waters. Does riding on the back of a cute policeman's motorcycle count? hehe

Dragonlady · Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 12:03 am Post subject:

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Ahhh yes, sooo very many uniforms (in town, these days!) so little time! If we had to think of one positive thing about the current "climate" in Mexico, it's definitely the hot scenery, here to serve and protect, verdad?

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

I haven't tested either of those waters, but I am a sucker for a man in a mariachi suit.........though I guess you can get a twofer - there is a contingent of police officers on horseback in the Alameda who wear mariachi uniforms. It kind of ruins it, though, to see them talking on a cell phone.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

LOL! Do they have real guns, or are they tourist attractions? A photo would be good!

Dragonlady · Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 1:25 am Post subject:

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I've had female taxi drivers perhaps a grand total of three times in DF...and it always surprises me. I've always asked the female drivers about it and the response every time has been that they are covering for their husbands.

Taxis in Mexico City are pretty safe. I flag them off the street all the time. The only thing I ever suffer with some of them are being charged the wrong rate...pure nickle and diming, easily fixed if you know what the rate should be and speak Spanish. I have one taxi service I use if I need a cab after midnight or if I'm going to the airport with a bunch of gear.

The usual advice for Mexico City and cabs is not to hail one off the street late at night. Rather a moot bit of advice since you're not likely to find one late anyway.

Some of my best political discussions have been with taxi drivers actually...I love getting a chatty cabbie!

Isla Guapa · Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 6:38 pm Post subject:

kidefl · Joined: 22 Jun 2007 Posts: 40

Don't know much about taxis but I'd like to add something to the OP.
I lived in five states for 21 years. I always felt right at home in Mexico. The crime was always petty stuff. Never had a car stolen although one year when I was in Guadalajara I read a stat that 75 cars a day were nicked.

I have lived in all kinds of neighborhoods. One is infamous; Aldama in old Guadalajara. I was a musician so I was home late quite a bit. Hookers and dealers all over the streets, some guys even warned me about being out that late. Never had an incident though.

So that's 21 years of living pretty much in the trenches without a mugging or major property loss.

I'm fixing to go back soon, probably die there. I always envied The Old Gringo.

Dragonlady · Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 10:57 pm Post subject: