Taxi park-in jams Mexico City's Zocalo to protest ride apps

Taxis, supported by public transport bus drivers, fill the Zocalo in front of the National Palace, right, during a protest against ride-sharing apps in a bid to demand the city shut them down, in Mexico City, Monday, June 3, 2019. Some drivers say the ride-sharing apps have reduced their income by about 40%, while a backlash on social media put the blame on taxi drivers for not offering better service. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

A man rides atop a taxi as drivers protest to demand the city shut down ride-sharing apps in Mexico City, Monday, June 3, 2019. Some drivers say the ride-sharing apps have reduced their income by about 40%, while a backlash on social media put the blame on taxi drivers for not offering better service. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

MEXICO CITY – Taxi drivers have snarled traffic in downtown Mexico City in their latest protest against Uber and other ride-hailing apps.

The protesters claim the apps are unfair competition because those drivers are more loosely regulated and don't have to pay licensing fees.

Cabbies drove hundreds of pink-and-white-liveried taxis along central boulevards Monday and then parked them on the capital's sprawling main square known as the Zocalo and the six-lane street that circles it.

Dozens of bus drivers joined the park-in on the plaza out of solidarity.

Several cabbies said the ride-hailing apps have cost them 40% of their earnings. They are demanding the apps be banned.

But many Mexico City residents say the apps provide a service superior to that of most taxis, in terms of safety, reliability and comfort.

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