TaxiSafe Program in Puerto Vallarta Gay Nagle Myers - Travel Weekly
go to original June 27, 2012

As part of several initiatives designed to offer tourist transportation standards comparable to those in other international destinations, the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board launched a certification program for more than 1,000 taxi drivers.

The training, which started in February, has taught participants first aid, taxi etiquette, basic English in customer service manners and emergency procedures.

More than 700 drivers who have completed the training program carry a certified identification card that can be shown to visitors.

Hand in hand with that program is the TaxiSafe program launched by the city, which features a website in English and Spanish at www.taxisafepv.com.

The TaxiSafe site is for Puerto Vallarta tourists and locals to report crimes by police or taxi drivers for internal investigation. This is not a formal criminal complaint but will be invaluable to the authorities. TaxiSafe cannot accept any other types of crime reports.

As stated on the site, "We greatly appreciate your help in keeping Puerto Vallarta one of the safest tourist destinations in the world!"

While you may file an anonymous report, we urge you to provide complete information which will enable the authorities to follow up rather than just make note of the incident.

If you are still in PV, please take your signed report along with a copy of your government issued ID to any establishment displaying the TaxiSafe logo. They will witness your signature and forward the report to the authorities.

If you are no longer in PV, please email both documents to report@taxisafepv.com.

To print a copy of the Incident Report Form, click here.

In addition to providing visitors with safe transportation recommendations, participating restaurants and stores have a log where data is collected when visitors leave an establishment and board a taxi.

The taxi log acts as a backup in case of a problem or incident, according to Alberto Cortez, president of Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town Business Owners and Residents Association.

"What we are working toward is prevention, so tourists and locals feel secure and by utilizing the taxi logs and forms, it is easier to report any problems to the authorities," he said.

The aim of TaxiSafe is to "have everyone arrive safely at their destinations," according to Cortez.

TaxiSafe suggests the following precautions:

• Always take a safe taxi at night - Ask your venue to call a taxi for you and record the taxi number.

• Don't carry unnecessary valuables at night - Bring only your ID, and the cash or card that you might need.

• Obey local laws - Don't drink, carry drugs, urinate, or be disorderly on the streets. No sleeping on the beach.

• Report crimes promptly with details - You may report anonymously, but please file a report.

• Report problems with taxis or police - Without a report, nothing can be done.

Remember, for help in an emergency in Puerto Vallarta, call 066.
 
Click here for more information about the Taxi Certification Program.