### “Hop On, There’s Room on the Back”: Taxi Overcrowding Violates Regulations and Users Allow It
In Tijuana, route taxis frequently exceed their passenger limits, violating regulations and putting commuters’ safety at risk. This issue persists because drivers, commuters, and even authorities at times tolerate the overloading.
A majority of passengers resort to these taxis out of urgency, needing to reach their destinations like schools or workplaces on time. Director of Transportation and Vehicle Control at the Sustainable Mobility Institute (Imos), Aarón Pallares, notes that passengers will often ride standing or sitting on improvised seats due to this necessity. Fines for overloading can exceed 600 pesos per extra passenger, but this has not deterred the practice.
Pallares explains that the lack of available public transportation is not to blame, as the issue is more rooted in human behavior and immediate needs. Both drivers and passengers play a role in perpetuating the problem, with drivers looking to maximize earnings and passengers unwilling to wait for the next available ride.
Despite the policies and potential fines, many drivers continue to offer rides to standing passengers or those perched on makeshift seats. This practice increases significantly when schools are in session, resulting in a spike in infractions.
Roberto Beltrán Camacho, a taxi checker for the Rosarito-Centro route, acknowledges that desperation among passengers and drivers’ eagerness to earn more are primary contributors to this ongoing issue. While some taxi leaders and checkers advise against overloading, enforcement among drivers remains inconsistent.
Ivonne Ache, an activist focused on mobility issues, highlights the detrimental impact on the working class, emphasizing the need for safe and reliable public transportation. According to Ache, the failure to address this problem forces citizens to seek alternative, often less safe, means of transportation, putting their lives and well-being at greater risk.
### Secondary Article: Pilot Program Launched to Improve Student Mobility at UABC Otay
In a recent initiative to tackle student mobility challenges, a new pilot program has been launched at the UABC Otay campus. This program aims to facilitate easier and quicker transportation for students, addressing the pressing issue of efficient and safe transit to and from the university.
The program comes as a response to ongoing complaints from students about long travel times and the inadequacy of existing public transport routes. Details of how the program will operate and its expected impact on student commute times are being closely monitored.
Alongside this initiative, authorities are also encouraging the use of prepaid cards for the Agua Caliente corridor’s bus services. Despite its introduction, the prepaid card system has seen limited adoption, highlighting a need for further awareness and incentivization efforts.
### Further Reading
– **Increased Migration Due to Climate Change and Natural Disasters**: Studies note an uptick in migration patterns influenced by environmental factors.
– **Activities in Tijuana**: Explore a list of upcoming events and concerts at the Tijuana Fair, perfect for a weekend outing.
For more updates and detailed reports on local transport and other regional issues, follow us on [TJGringo.com].