Being a food delivery driver in Mexico City has become a high-risk occupation, with a staggering number of assaults reported against workers in recent years. The organization ‘Ni Un Repartidor Menos’ (Not One Less Delivery Driver) has documented 47,137 assaults against delivery drivers in the capital alone since 2017, highlighting a severe and growing safety concern for this essential workforce.
A Daily Peril for Thousands of Drivers
The collective estimates that approximately 500,000 people in Mexico City work as food delivery drivers, either full-time or part-time. The routine nature of their work often exposes them to dangerous situations. A common scenario involves a customer placing an order, only for the delivery to turn into an ambush upon the driver’s arrival. Victims often lose their cell phones, motorcycles, and the delivered food, leaving them with financial debt and trauma.
One driver recounted a harrowing experience: “I went out to deliver on a normal day, with my son on board, because, in fact, since I’m a single mother, he accompanied me. A last order came in, so I said, ‘Well, one last order and we’re leaving.’ I picked up some tacos, and upon arriving with the customer, he reached into his jacket and told us, ‘You already know the drill.'” This illustrates the sudden and unpredictable nature of these attacks.
Women Delivery Drivers Face Additional Threats
Female delivery drivers also frequently encounter harassment while on duty. One woman shared an alarming incident: “Once in Polanco, the man came out almost naked, and he really wanted me to come into his apartment, but no, I just threw his order at him.” These accounts underscore the multifaceted dangers faced by delivery personnel, particularly women.
Mapping Danger: A Tool for Safety
In response to the escalating violence, ‘Ni Un Repartidor Menos’ has developed a risk map. This crucial tool allows drivers to identify neighborhoods and zones with a high incidence of violence, enabling them to avoid these areas and minimize their exposure to danger. This proactive measure is a direct result of the organization’s commitment to protecting its members.
According to the map, some of the most perilous neighborhoods include:
- Fuerte de Loreto in Iztapalapa
- Dinamita in Gustavo A. Madero
- La Cruz in Gustavo A. Madero
A driver lamented the constant threat: “It’s the bread and butter of every day for us delivery drivers now. Sometimes the need is great, but an order isn’t worth your life.” This sentiment reflects the difficult choices many drivers face, balancing economic necessity with personal safety.
The Broader Impact on Mexico City’s Gig Economy
The high-risk environment for delivery drivers has broader implications for Mexico City’s gig economy. While these platforms offer flexible employment opportunities, the lack of robust safety mechanisms and support for drivers remains a significant concern. The incidents not only affect the individual drivers but also contribute to a climate of fear and insecurity within the entire delivery sector.
The efforts of ‘Ni Un Repartidor Menos’ highlight the urgent need for greater protection and awareness for these workers. As the city continues to rely heavily on food delivery services, addressing these safety challenges is paramount to ensuring the well-being of the thousands of individuals who keep these services running.
Source: https://www.nmas.com.mx/ciudad-de-mexico/seguridad/repartidor-trabajo-alto-riesgo-mapa-colonias-peligrosas-cdmx-2026/
