Colombia: Taxi driver strikes and protests from May 10

Event

Taxi drivers will launch an indefinite strike across the country on Wednesday, May 10, to put pressure on the government to block the ride-sharing service Uber. Some 52,000 drivers are expected to take part in the capital Bogotá alone. Other affected cities include Medellín, Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, and Bucaramanga. Associated protests are anticipated, with the largest actions likely in the capital. Striking drivers could block roads, further aggravating Bogotá’s already-notorious road congestion.

Clashes between taxi and Uber drivers, which are occasionally reported in the country, are possible during the strike. Passengers could also potentially be targeted.

Context

Uber, while technically illegal in Colombia, is still in service and widely used, despite promises made by the government in September 2016 to crack down on the company. The presence of Uber and other similar web-based applications has reportedly reduced taxi driver output by 60 to 70 percent.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to use alternate means of transportation, to be prepared for crowded conditions on available public transit and city streets, to allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and to avoid all protests due to the potential for violence.