Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Secretary General of the Puerto Vallarta Taxi Drivers Trade Union, Jaime Aguilar Mejía, recently announced the development of a smartphone application that will connect drivers with people in need of cab service.

He said that this initiative is in the testing phase and that taxi drivers are now being trained in the use of the digital platform, saying that it is just one part of a comprehensive program to improve service that is already well underway.

He went on to say that upgrading was necessary to make adequate use of the technology which, when completed, will not only benefit the taxi drivers' guild operating in Puerto Vallarta, but also make it easier for users to request transportation services. For more information and updates, (in Spanish) visit the HolaTaxi on Facebook.

The Benefits of Taxis

Regarding the price differences observed between the union taxi service and the ride-share companies operating in Puerto Vallarta that offer similar services through digital platforms, Mejía said that these companies continue to work irregularly since they do not yet have the concessions, and was very emphatic in pointing out the benefits that taxis offer, including:

• Service is provided by fully-equipped recent model vehicles that meet all safety regulations and requirements.

• Drivers have been granted the concession by the Jalisco State Government and are registered in the Taxi Drivers' Union.

• All vehicles are easily identifiable through a unique number that provides passengers with better security.

• Rates are fixed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

He pointed out that almost 80% of vehicles in the taxi fleet have recently been renovated, which means most of the cars in circulation comply with all safety measures.

Finally, Aguilar Mejía invited users to report any complaint or anomaly by calling (322) 225-8633 during office hours. He stressed that, when calling, it is important to have the number that is located on the rear doors of all taxis to identify the service provider that did not comply with the service protocol.

ctmvallarta.org press release translated and edited by Luis Antonio for BanderasNews.com.