Officials on Wednesday urged travelers to be on the lookout for unregulated drivers who compete with taxis and operate without oversight, largely at San Diego border crossings.
The drivers, dubbed “wildcatters,” or in Spanish, “raiteros,” have become an increasingly common presence at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry, as well as San Ysidro’s PedWest pedestrian crossing, authorities said.
The unregulated nature of the practice allows for price gouging, officials said, and hands over responsibility to drivers who are untrained and not required to undergo criminal background checks.
Their vehicles also may not have undergone safety inspections, potentially putting riders at risk while drivers may not carry enough insurance to cover riders if an accident occurs, according to the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
“Accepting rides from un-permitted drivers who operate illegally and are not vetted can put people at risk of becoming the victim of crimes like recruitment for human trafficking, fraud and overcharging,” District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a statement.
The agencies said they will post signs and notices near border transit centers to increase awareness, while local law enforcement is expected to conduct additional patrols.
“Wildcatting is unregulated. It’s illegal. And it hurts the taxicab small business owners,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and a San Diego City Council member. “We urge travelers and commuters to stay away from wildcatters and choose a safe travel option, such as a taxicab or public transit.”
