Aguascalientes Opina – December 20, 2024
By Aníbal Salazar
Yesterday, I had an experience while taking a taxi in Aguascalientes that offered a clear and critical view of the current state of urban mobility in the city. The driver, a kind and attentive person, faced an unfortunate incident: the taxi stalled mid-journey. With evident embarrassment, the driver asked for patience, opened the hood, adjusted some cables, and managed to get the vehicle running again. This display of diligence and commitment is commendable, but it also highlights the precarious condition of the vehicles operating in the city.
The driver, aware of the inconvenience, offered to deduct the time lost from the fare. Out of courtesy, I declined the discount, but I couldn’t help reflecting on the underlying issues of this situation. This episode is not an isolated incident; rather, it seems to reflect a mobility system that constantly demands understanding from users while neglecting essential elements such as efficiency and the quality of service provided to citizens. Furthermore, this dynamic perpetuates an asymmetrical relationship between the service offered and the price paid.
Meanwhile, Óscar Romo Delgado, president of the United Associations of the Taxi Guild of the State, recently stated to El Heraldo de Aguascalientes that they are working on a proposal to implement a more attractive nighttime fare. This proposal aims to encourage drivers to operate during nighttime hours, a time slot that has lost profitability, according to the union leader. The proposal considers a specific schedule, possibly from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., although details have yet to be finalized.
Such measures may appear to be progress toward improving working conditions for taxi drivers, but they also raise questions about the situation of users. In a context where many people prefer taxis because they lack dynamic pricing—a common practice on platforms like Uber—the implementation of a nighttime fare might challenge this perception. While it is understandable that taxi drivers seek greater economic stability, the central question remains: when will users start receiving a service that matches the cost they pay?
Aguascalientes faces a historic debt regarding urban mobility. Current conditions reflect a system that prioritizes the economic survival of operators over the quality of service. While initiatives like the nighttime fare are discussed, a fundamental issue is overlooked: ensuring that vehicles are safe, comfortable, and efficient. This episode, in which a poorly maintained taxi affected the user experience, underscores the urgency of reevaluating priorities in the mobility system.
It is time to adopt comprehensive measures that not only benefit taxi drivers but also meet user expectations. Otherwise, we will continue perpetuating a model that demands patience and understanding while forgetting that the true essence of mobility lies in saving time, comfort, and reliability.
The final reflection is clear: authorities have the power to transform the mobility system, but they seem to have yet to fully assume their responsibility. What are they doing to ensure that taxi services—and mobility in general—meet the minimum quality standards that the population deserves?
Time will tell… and it’s up to your opinion.
Published in: Quiero Tv / CiudadDeAguascalientes.com / Aguascalientes News / A Opinión Magacín
