Colombian taxi drivers will escalate anti-Uber action

Subject

Uber's entry into the Colombian market is infuriating taxi drivers.

Significance

The expansion of online taxi dispatch multinational Uber across Colombia has provoked bitter opposition from taxi drivers. In addition to filing legal challenges and organising strike action, vigilante groups of drivers have intercepted Uber-affiliated cars, threatened passengers and vandalised vehicles. Government procrastination over whether to regulate or block the firm has contributed to an escalation of the conflict, which is expected to continue throughout the first half of 2016.

Impacts

• Periodic taxi strikes will disrupt urban transport and possibly also entrance points into the country.
• The thousands of taxi-driver complaints against Uber vehicles, may damage the capacity of authorities to respond to serious crimes.
• Owners of vehicles that resemble Uber cars may be vulnerable to attacks.
• Uber's success may encourage taxi companies to introduce measures to improve the security of their services.