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Mexico City – The Secretariat of Mobility (Semovi) has initiated a formal dialogue with representatives of app-based delivery motorcyclists on Monday, November 9, 2026, following a significant protest that disrupted traffic in the Santa Fe area for nearly five hours.
Protest causes major traffic disruptions
The demonstration, organized by delivery riders who use mobile applications for their work, began earlier in the day and resulted in the blockage of key arterial roads, including the Santa Fe roundabout, Avenida Vasco de Quiroga, and surrounding areas near major retail centers. Furthermore, traffic on the Mexico-Toluca highway was severely impacted in both directions, causing extensive delays for commuters throughout the day.
Semovi confirmed through official channels that the blockade was lifted by the afternoon, though traffic congestion persisted in the immediate vicinity for several hours as the flow of vehicles was restored.
Core of the dispute: New regulatory requirements
The protest was sparked by opposition to new regulatory measures proposed by Semovi. The authorities aim to implement the following requirements for those working through delivery applications:
- Commercial license plates: A requirement for motorcycles used for delivery services to be registered with commercial cargo plates.
- Specialized circulation permits: A new pilot program for commercial cargo driving licenses specifically for motorcyclists using their vehicles as a professional tool.
Riders argue that these requirements impose unnecessary administrative and financial burdens. They emphasize that they are already required to hold standard motorcycle licenses and comply with existing social security obligations, viewing these new mandates as an additional strain on their livelihoods.
Government stance on the dialogue
In a statement issued on Monday, Semovi noted that the newly opened dialogue aims to address the concerns of the sector. The department stated that the goal is to formulate a strategy that ensures adequate service delivery for city residents while prioritizing safety, civil liability, and mobility.
“In this meeting, we will address the concerns of this sector and formulate a strategy so that the inhabitants of the capital have adequate services in conditions of safety, civil responsibility, and mobility, always seeking the higher good of caring for the lives of those of us who live in Mexico City,” the agency stated.
As of late Monday, the outcome of the initial negotiations remains to be seen, with both parties seeking a balance between regulatory compliance and the economic realities of the gig economy workforce.
Source: Yahoo News
