San Luis taxi drivers move after years at the border
Adrik Vargas
SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – For years, taxi drivers waited just steps from the border to pick up people crossing into the U.S. Now, they’ve had to move.
City officials are moving forward with a plan to improve the area around the Port of Entry. The project includes adding about 14 new traffic lanes to help with the growing number of people crossing the border.
As part of the project, taxi drivers were told they must relocate their pickup spots. Mayor Nieves Riedel said the change is being required by the federal government.
Taxi driver Francisco Inzunza said drivers knew the move was coming, but it happened sooner than expected and caught them off guard.
He said their new location is about a block away from the pedestrian entrance, and that the city has taken their concerns into account.
Drivers say they are now working with the City of San Luis to make sure people can still get rides near the border, especially students, people with medical appointments, and those with disabilities.
One taxi user, Gabriel Garibay Medina, said the move makes things harder for people who struggle to walk. He said it’s important for taxis to stay close to the Port of Entry.
Drivers say they are adjusting to the changes and hope to continue working with the city moving forward.