When I think about the way cities move, I can’t help but reflect on how much has changed in just a couple of decades. I was born and raised in Mexico City, a place that lives and breathes movement. It’s a city of over 20 million people, where traffic isn’t just a challenge—it’s part of daily life. Growing up here, you learn quickly that mobility is one of the most pressing issues facing any modern community. That reality is one of the reasons I became involved with UMD, a community-focused taxi app that has grown to become an important transportation option for many people in my community.
Why Mobility Matters
Mobility is more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s about access—to work, to school, to family, and to opportunities. Without reliable transportation, a city can’t function. Unfortunately, in many urban areas, public transport systems are overwhelmed, unsafe, or unable to meet the needs of all people.
That gap is what inspired platforms like Uber and Lyft in other countries. But in Mexico and in our local communities, those global solutions don’t always fit perfectly. Our neighborhoods and cities have their own culture, their own challenges, and their own rhythms. That’s where community-based apps come in.
The Birth of UMD
UMD started with a simple idea: to create a taxi platform built by the community, for the community. While companies like Uber came into markets with a one-size-fits-all approach, UMD was developed with local needs in mind.
Being part of the board of UMD, I’ve seen how the focus has always been on trust and safety first. People want to know who is driving them, and drivers want to feel respected and supported. Unlike some larger platforms where drivers often feel like just another number, UMD built a model where relationships matter. That difference may sound small, but in practice, it creates loyalty, responsibility, and a shared sense of purpose.
A Local Solution to a Global Problem
Mexico, like many other countries, struggles with traffic congestion, pollution, and transportation inefficiencies. But the answer doesn’t have to come only from massive infrastructure projects or billion-dollar companies. Sometimes, the most effective solutions are the ones that start locally, tailored to specific communities.
For example, UMD has been able to adapt to cultural habits in ways that international apps might not. Whether it’s payment preferences, language, or customer service, these details make a big difference. They build trust, and trust is the foundation of any mobility platform.
Technology Meets Community
One of the most exciting parts of working with UMD has been watching how technology can bring a community closer together. Apps are not just about coding and algorithms—they’re about solving real-world problems for real people.
Think about it: a parent who can confidently order a ride for their child, knowing the driver is part of their own community. Or a driver who feels empowered because they are not just working for a faceless corporation, but contributing to a shared project. That’s where technology becomes meaningful. It’s not technology for its own sake, but technology with a human touch.
What the Future Looks Like
Looking ahead, I believe urban mobility will continue to evolve quickly. Electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and smarter city infrastructure are all on the horizon. But even with all these advancements, I think the human side of mobility will always matter most.
Large cities like Mexico City will continue to face unique challenges. But if we can combine innovation with community values, we’ll create solutions that are not only practical but sustainable. UMD is just one example of how local initiatives can inspire broader change.
Lessons from Sports and Trading
In many ways, my passion for sports and trading connects with how I think about mobility. Training for marathons or Ironman competitions has taught me the importance of endurance and consistency. Trading, on the other hand, has shown me the need for strategy, patience, and calculated risk.
These same principles apply to building something like UMD. It’s not a sprint—it’s a marathon. You need to plan for the long run, adapt to changes, and always look for ways to improve. And just like in trading, you have to balance risk with opportunity. Urban mobility is a massive, complex challenge, but that’s exactly why it’s so important to approach it with discipline and vision.
A Call for Collaboration
At the end of the day, no single company or government can solve the mobility crisis alone. It takes collaboration. Community-based apps like UMD are part of the solution, but they work best when supported by smart policies, improved infrastructure, and active participation from citizens.
I’m proud to be part of a project that is making a difference in people’s daily lives. For me, it’s not just about technology or business—it’s about giving people back their time, their safety, and their peace of mind.
Urban mobility will always be a challenge in growing cities, but I believe that when communities take ownership of the problem, we can create solutions that last. And that’s what gives me hope for the future.