Police guard hotels following confrontations between taxi drivers and tour van operators

On 1 August 2008 authorities deployed approximately 200 federal police officers to guard hotels and van services in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas following several confrontations between taxi drivers and tour van operators. Reports indicate that taxi drivers forced several tour vans to stop or give up their passengers in recent weeks. On 2 August approximately 500 taxi drivers launched a 24-hour strike in response to the deployment of police officers. The taxi drivers protested in the Santa Anita area near Los Cabos International Airport (MMSD/SJD) at 1000 local time. There were no reports of confrontations on 3 August. The taxi drivers believe that the tour van operators are stealing their business. Federal authorities plan to meet with representatives of the taxi drivers on 7 August to discuss the issue. As the dispute has not yet been resolved, travelers should anticipate possible transportation disruptions. All private transportation companies in San Jose del Cabo are currently only providing arrival and departure transfer services to and from the airport and hotels. Private companies are not providing "as directed" services.