Taxi and ride-hailing regulations face scrutiny in Uruguay and Argentina

Debates regarding the regulation of taxi services and ride-hailing applications are emerging in Salto, Uruguay, and Mar del Plata, Argentina.

In Salto, discussions center on the necessity of regulating taxi services as a public utility. Arguments suggest that because taxis operate on public roads and follow municipal-fixed tariffs and safety inspections, they require more oversight than private professions. The regulation is framed as a means to manage limited public space and ensure passenger safety.

In Mar del Plata, Pablo Sánchez of the Sociedad de Conductores de Taxis has criticized a new ordinance regulating transport applications. Sánchez argues the current rules are insufficient and act as a “whitewash” for the industry. He is calling for stricter municipal controls, including official registries for drivers, vehicles, and companies, to prevent platforms from acting as their own regulatory authorities and to ensure drivers meet standards comparable to traditional taxi services.