Sexual violence in public and private transport in Mexico could face harsher penalties, following an initiative by Deputy Maribel Martínez Ruiz (PT) to amend the General Law on Mobility and Road Safety and the Federal Criminal Code. The proposal classifies any act of harassment, stalking, abuse, or sexual violence committed by drivers during service as a serious administrative offense, and toughens legal consequences for those who engage in such conduct. Responsible drivers would face the cancellation of their licenses, the revocation of concessions or permits, and permanent disqualification from providing transport services, without prejudice to corresponding criminal penalties. The document also states that when the victim is a girl or adolescent, penalties must be applied with maximum rigor, under the principle of the best interests of the child. The initiative also proposes amending the Federal Criminal Code to increase sentences for sexual abuse and rape by up to half when these crimes are committed by public transport drivers or ride-hailing drivers. In parallel, it establishes new obligations for concessionaires, companies, and digital platforms, including: providing immediate assistance to victims, having emergency and reporting protocols, immediately suspending the reported driver, and implementing mandatory training on human rights and gender perspective. Failure to comply with these measures could result in fines, suspension, or cancellation of concessions. The initiative warns that sexual violence in transport not only violates individual rights but also directly affects the right to mobility under safe conditions. Data from the National Public Security System indicate that in 2025, over 61,000 sexual crimes were registered in Mexico, including thousands of harassment cases, although there is significant underreporting. In urban areas, studies cited in the proposal indicate that over 60% of women in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico have experienced harassment or sexual violence in transport, impacting their freedom of movement and participation in economic and social activities. Towards a stricter framework The project, referred to committees in the Chamber of Deputies, seeks to build a stronger regulatory framework that combines administrative and criminal penalties with clear obligations for companies and authorities. If passed, the reform would represent a change in the way transport safety is regulated, in a context where the social demand for safe spaces continues to grow.
