Dear Sir,
Is it time for a new bus service in Chapala? One which does not overcharge foreigners just because they are foreigners.
While it may difficult for these service providers to deal with foreigners who refuse to learn the most rudimentary Spanish phrases, the foreign community adds millions of pesos to municipal coffers.
We pay taxes, we pay immigration fees, we shop at the Chapala, Ajijic, San Antonio and Jocotopec businesses. Yet, daily, we are overcharged. The senior citizen discount card, issued to us by the Mexican government, is refused. We are insulted. We are bypassed by drivers of the local and Guadalajara bound buses.
Recently, bus number 419 had pink cut-outs of a hand displayed on the driver’s window, as we say, “flipping the bird.”
Our INAPAM or INSEN cards are questioned, refused or inspected and the number noted when we purchase our tickets at the ticket booths in Chapala and Guadalajara. Even when a bilingual foreigner presents the card, they receive this treatment.
In many cases, when we board a bus, we are not issued a ticket as proof of what we were charged. Is the driver pocketing the money?
Can we get an Uber service in Chapala, maybe owned by foreigners, who value the foreign community and our contributions to the entire community?
Jessica MacCallister
Dear Sir,
Just to let readers know that pickpockets are active in Ajijic’s tianguis. They stealthily stole 3,500 pesos from my partner’s purse while we were eating tacos. There was an adult male watching while two young kids dipped into her purse which was on her shoulder. We saw them later as we left, but could do nothing because it only dawned on her what had happened when they left quickly and she checked her purse.
David Richardson, Vista del Lago
Dear Sir,
A few months ago, Jocotepec Mayor Jose Miguel Gomez made some very strong promises about cracking down on the problem of motos and motorcycles in Jocotepec. The specific problem is that a significant percentage of the riders of motos in the municipality show a total disregard for any rule of law in respect to helmets, vests, licenses, insurance and on and on. In short, Jocotepec is simply a very dangerous town to drive in.
Now Gomez wants to launch a program of public awareness, with signs and brochures (Reporter, July 20-26, page 11).
Lack of enforcement by the current and previous administrations is what created this culture in the first place. What do you think people will do if you allow them to do exactly as they want? Changing this culture will be extremely unpopular.
When you see up to five people on a scooter, a parent holding a baby in each arm, children driving scooters with more children as passengers, and none wearing helmets, you start to realize that you have a major problem in your town.
The problem is yours Mayor Gomez. Either do your job and make a difference in Jocotepec, or shut up and go away. Talk is not going to fix the problem.
Robert Butler