Tijuana Ride-Sharing Drivers Grapple with Rising Violence
The bustling city of Tijuana, Mexico, is witnessing a disturbing escalation of violence, particularly impacting ride-sharing drivers. The tragic case of Adara Paulina Hernández, an Uber driver who began her shift on July 24th and was found dead a week later, underscores the perilous situation. This year alone, the number of ride-sharing drivers murdered in Tijuana has doubled compared to the previous year, with 13 fatalities recorded in 2024. The issue affects passengers too, as the city’s high crime rate has resulted in Tijuana ranking among the most dangerous cities worldwide.
New Security Measures and the Reality on the Ground
In response to the surge in violence, local authorities and ride-hailing platforms are collaborating with law enforcement to implement new security measures and bolster existing ones. However, the effectiveness of these efforts remains uncertain. Carmen Valadez, a member of the Tijuana Workers’ Union, highlights the critical lack of protection for app-based workers. She emphasized that both labor and city authorities are failing to provide sufficient support. Drivers for Didi are given the option to decline a ride without penalty if the pickup or destination is flagged as a high-risk area, a safety mechanism meant to mitigate some dangers.
The ongoing crisis presents significant challenges to the ride-sharing industry and the safety of those who use their services. The situation is a cautionary tale for emerging ride-hailing markets globally, including those in Africa, where similar challenges related to driver safety and crime could arise. The need for robust security protocols, collaboration between platforms, law enforcement, and labor unions is critical to ensuring the well-being of drivers and passengers alike.
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