Uber vs. Taxi

We have come to the conclusion over the past several months there is no argument regarding whether to take Uber or a taxi. This is completely a personal choice. There are Uber Wars, as some like to refer to the shouting matches that have happened between drivers, especially when Uber first came to Puerto Vallarta. Apparently there was some shoving, too, involving taxi drivers and their newly arrived competitors; nasty words and, we have been told, a bloody nose or two. Puerto Vallarta has grown to a size where there’s room for everyone. The taxi union has fought Uber with, so far, no conclusive results. Some hotels have posted notices discouraging patrons from using Uber but they have gone unheeded, and it’s a bit of a mystery as to who took the initiative to avail the public with this type of false information.

If you choose to use Uber in Puerto Vallarta instead of a taxi, it requires an app on your phone. This precludes some of our friends from taking advantage of the service because they either don’t have cell phones or they refuse to upgrade from the antiques that serve them well for everything else.

To avoid confrontations with taxi drivers, sit in the front seat with your Uber driver. The taxi drivers will have no idea you are in a service car, but simply riding shotgun with a friend.  There are mixed reviews on whether one can call an Uber to the airport, as well as being dropped off. We know many who have used the service for transport to and from the airport in Puerto Vallarta without problems. Your payment is made through the phone app, so there is no exchange of cash, which is a sure giveaway. If you feel inclined to tip, be discreet.

In our humble opinion, we see no reason to not make use of whatever service you choose. This is the new gig economy. We have weekly markets in Puerto Vallarta where locals and residents alike can sell their handmade crafts, food and services. What was once a farmers’ market is now a venue to share your skills, which can add money to your family’s coffers and enhance the community in which you live.

Airbnb, as an example of this new economic structure, through battles with taxes, advertising and other obstacles, will not go away; travelers love Airbnb and it helps home owners live a better life. What’s not to like?

Whether you take a taxi or an Uber, you are helping an entrepreneur who is being their own boss, as much as he or she is able.

Que es cómo es.

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.