Public Urged to Look Out for ‘Wildcatters’ at San Diego’s Border Crossings

SAN DIEGO—A public information campaign is urging travelers Thursday to be on the lookout for a practice known as “wildcatting,” in which unregulated ride-hailing drivers operate without oversight, largely at San Diego’s border crossings, putting riders at risk.
“Wildcatters,” also known in Spanish as “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.
Officials say the unregulated nature of wildcatters allows for price gouging, drivers who are untrained and not required to undergo criminal background checks, and vehicles that have not undergone safety inspections….