The governments of Mexico City and the State of Mexico have prohibited the use of mototaxis, the popular three-wheeled transport vehicles [1].

The ban targets a critical transport artery for thousands of workers who rely on these vehicles to reach their jobs. Because these vehicles often operate in areas where formal public transit is limited, the prohibition may disrupt the daily commute for a significant portion of the population.

Data indicates that 70% of citizens use mototaxis daily to get to work [2]. This high level of dependency suggests that the removal of these vehicles could create a void in the local transport infrastructure, potentially increasing travel times or costs for low-income workers.

The scale of the industry being targeted is substantial. In Mexico City, there are approximately 11,000 units in operation [2]. The impact is even more pronounced in the State of Mexico, where the fleet reaches roughly 80,000 units [2].

Government officials said they have not provided a specific timeline for the enforcement phases or an alternative transportation plan to replace the lost capacity. The disparity between the number of vehicles and the availability of official transit options remains a point of contention for those affected by the decree.

These vehicles have long existed in a legal gray area, providing flexible transit in densely populated or narrow-street neighborhoods. By banning them, the governments are attempting to formalize transit, though the immediate effect is the removal of a primary tool for economic mobility [1].

“70% of citizens use mototaxis daily to get to work”

The ban highlights a tension between urban formalization and the practical needs of the working class. While governments often cite safety or regulation as reasons for banning informal transit, the sheer volume of users—represented by the 91,000 combined units—suggests that the formal transport system is currently unable to meet the demand of the region's workforce.