TIJUANA – The Policía Municipal de Transito impounded 847 vehicles operating as unlicensed taxis in an enforcement sweep across Tijuana’s busiest corridors. Specifically, officers targeted pirate cab operators near the border crossings, along Avenida Revolucion, and near the CECUT cultural center in Zona Río. The operation ran over three weeks in February and March. It represents the city’s largest crackdown on illegal taxi services since Mayor Ismael Burgueno Ruiz took office.
Historically, illegal taxis have been a source of complaints from both tourists and licensed drivers. For example, unlicensed operators typically charge inflated fares and lack commercial insurance. In some cases, they have been linked to robbery and extortion. In contrast, licensed yellow taxis display a visible permit number on the rear quarter panel and use regulated meters. Meanwhile, legitimate ride-hailing through Uber and Didi (both legal in Baja California since 2022) provides GPS tracking and digital receipts.
Additionally, Mayor Burgueno encouraged commuters to report extortion by any driver. This includes transit police officers. Residents can record incidents on video and submit them to the city’s anonymous tip line at 664-104-8575. Furthermore, the mayor acknowledged that some police officers have historically tipped off illegal operators. He said officers found complicit would face immediate demotion and criminal referral to the Fiscalia General del Estado.
For American visitors crossing into Tijuana on foot, the safest options remain Uber or Didi. Both accept U.S. credit cards. Alternatively, visitors can use licensed yellow taxis from the official stand outside the PedWest exit. There are also Ruta colectivo vans that run fixed routes along Boulevard Agua Caliente for 15 pesos. However, avoid any driver who approaches you inside the border facility or on the pedestrian bridge.