Mexican officials push privatization reforms affecting taxis and public spaces

Deputy Alberto Batun Chulum of Quintana Roo's Congress backed a reform that lengthens the period for transferring taxi concessions from 180 days to one year, aiming to safeguard more than a thousand operators who lost permits during the pandemic. He also promoted the MOVI public‑transport system with state subsidies, discounts for students, seniors and free rides for people with disabilities.

In the city of Nogales, mayor Libni Zuriel de la Cruz granted Grupo Modelo permission to occupy a municipal sidewalk and adjacent area, forcing the removal of at least 20 long‑standing street vendors. Merchants condemned the move as an arbitrary privatization of public space, reporting intimidation and a lack of relocation options.