Taxi's in Mazatlan

azcentral.com

Pulmonias

Distinctively Mazatlan, the pulmonia is an open-air taxi that resembles a golf cart. It's based largely on Volkswagen parts, as the Beetle was produced in Mazatlan for four decades. Pulmonia drivers are licensed union members regulated by the city with a maximum limit of four passengers for safety reasons. If yours is without a meter, negotiate the fare to your destination with the driver before he hits the gas, and be sure to ask the driver to crank up the traditional Mexican music.

Eco Taxis

They're not exotic, but get you where you need to go in the form of a small sedan. Plus, they usually have air conditioning for hotter days. A licensed and regulated Eco Taxi (no website; Eduardo Valdez Vizcarra 820, Fraccionamiento Estadio, 82140 Mazatlan, Sinaloa) can be summoned by calling a Mazatlan dispatcher: 669-986-1111 for the Green Eco Taxi, and 669-985-2828 for the Red Eco Taxi. Not only can you match a corresponding license plate for verification, but also the red or green car doors -- which signify nothing more than different taxi unions.

Aurigas

The red auriga is a pickup with benches in the bed and a canopy over the top, making this mode of transportation better for travel groups of up to eight people. Municipal authorities will fine auriga drivers for piling more than eight into the back. These can usually be hailed like any other cab or booked by calling the Sindicato de Aurigas de Mazatlan (no website; Constitución 1215, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sinaloa; 669-981-3535).