Uber has become extremely common in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic, even outpacing taxis on strategic, high-density routes around airports and tourist areas.
The growing popularity of the ride-sharing platform is fueling tensions between taxi drivers and Uber operators, prompting officials to call for restraint on both sides.
With the increasing tensions being felt throughout the country, but especially in Punta Cana, How concerned should travelers be?
Since receiving the green light to operate in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic in 2015, Uber has increased its market share considerably. Today, the popular ride-sharing app is among the top modes of transportation for thousands of residents and commuters every day.
But that growing popularity is having a detrimental effect on Punta Cana’s taxi industry, which depends on a steady stream of income from wealthy American tourists. With those travelers increasingly switching to Uber, some taxi drivers have taken matters into their own hands, even going so far as to threaten or directly attack Uber drivers.
In a particularly troubling incident that occurred on August 11 of this year, a taxi driver allegedly blocked a tourist from boarding an Uber near a Punta Cana resort.
However, such incidents remain highly unusual, as nearly all Uber rides in the coastal destination go smoothly. But even as authorities continue to implement measures to improve visitor safety, concern about the deteriorating situation for taxis continues to grow.
All the more so as Uber reveals plans to greatly expand its services to new destinations in the Dominican Republic and compete directly with the local taxi industries.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Punta Cana taxi industry took to social media to denounce the attacks by some of their drivers. According to Tomasito Reyes, spokesman for Punta Cana Taxisincidents related to violence remain rare.
He added that the company would carry out a serious investigation into the recent incidents and would take the necessary disciplinary measures should further complications arise.
Uber continues to expand further into new destinations in the Dominican Republic, including the capital, Santo Domingo. The San Francisco-based company already has a strong presence in Punta Cana, where it is a popular choice for both locals and increasingly travelers, especially those hailing from the United States.
The ride-sharing app operates in several key areas, including around the Punta Cana International Airport, as well as tourist districts such as Bavarian. With that being the case, travelers should feel comfortable and safe using the app, although a little caution goes a long way.