New App Brings Transparent Taxi Fares and Safety to Tulum

Travelers visiting Tulum have long faced one recurring inconvenience: taking a taxi without knowing the fare in advance. In the absence of meters or consistent regulation, visitors often find themselves negotiating rates after the ride — a frustrating and unpredictable experience in an otherwise world-class destination.

To address this, a Mexican-developed app called Eiby has recently entered the market, offering users pre-determined fares, driver verification, and live trip tracking. The app aims to reduce misunderstandings, improve accountability, and provide both tourists and residents with a more transparent alternative to traditional street hailing.

A Step Toward Modernizing Local Transportation

The taxi system in Tulum has historically been criticized for rate inconsistencies, lack of receipts, and limited oversight. Complaints range from inflated prices to disputes that escalate when passengers challenge unclear charges. While authorities have introduced enforcement campaigns over the years, the problems have persisted — leaving room for digital innovation.

Eiby seeks to fill that gap. By allowing users to input their pickup and drop-off points, the app calculates an estimated fare before the journey begins. With no dynamic pricing or hidden fees, riders gain clarity and peace of mind — two qualities not often associated with local taxi experiences.

Features Focused on Transparency

Eiby’s model is simple: once a trip is entered, the app displays the fare, route, and vehicle information, including the driver’s name and license plate. This data can be saved or screenshotted, which becomes especially useful in the event of disputes or when reporting issues to consumer protection agencies.

For visitors unfamiliar with local pricing, this structure offers a reliable point of reference — something particularly valuable in high-traffic tourism hubs like Tulum.

Availability and User Experience

The app, available for iOS and Android, is active in several Mexican cities and now gaining traction in Tulum. While cash remains the dominant form of payment for rides, Eiby streamlines the booking process and provides travelers with a sense of structure, especially for those wary of street-side negotiations.

Some users have reported better functionality on Android devices or when using local SIM cards, so travelers may benefit from adjusting their setup accordingly.

A Tool That Doesn’t Solve Everything — But Helps

Though Eiby isn't a comprehensive solution to broader transportation challenges in Tulum — such as regulation, licensing, and coverage — it represents progress. By offering consistency and traceability, it helps bridge the trust gap between drivers and passengers.

Notably, while the app doesn’t yet guarantee availability in all neighborhoods or during late-night hours, it has demonstrated value during high-demand periods and in central zones.

Local Impact and Accountability

As Tulum continues to attract global travelers, tools that build trust and reduce friction become essential to maintaining the destination’s reputation. When users know the cost of their trip in advance and feel safer doing it, the ripple effect benefits everyone — from local businesses to tourism operators.

Additionally, for those wishing to report fare disputes, Tulum’s Tourist Police and Mexico’s consumer protection agency, PROFECO, remain available — and the documentation Eiby provides makes those reports more credible.

Final Thoughts

While no app can resolve every challenge within Tulum’s evolving mobility system, platforms like Eiby offer a practical tool for improving the rider experience. In a town balancing rapid growth with increasing visitor expectations, small technological steps can make a noticeable difference.

As more users adopt these systems, they not only empower themselves but contribute to broader calls for fairness and accountability in local transportation.