Mexico City, May 26 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Hundreds of Mexico City taxi drivers protested against Uber on Monday while the international company offered free services to its customers.

Taxi drivers blocked major roads in several parts of the city starting early in the morning. Uber responded by offering free rides for the day, saying “Mexico never stops.”

According to its website, Uber announced a one day only offer for up to two free rides valuing up to about $10 each. Uber, a private international company based in San Francisco, California, is touted as a “ride share” program, but many have also criticized it for acting as an informal taxi service, undermining workers' rights and forcing taxi drivers out of business.

Uber, which initiated services in Mexico City in 2013, has been the topic of local government discussions in Mexico City that aim to address how to best regulate Uber and other similar private car services, such as Cabify.

The demonstrations caused traffic and transportation difficulties, angering some motorists, while security forces urged protesters to end blockades in particularly high-traffic areas. Some 500 riot cops prevented protesters moving into the city center, Mexican newspaper La Jornada reported. Protesters chanted “Uber out!” and demanded an end to services that they say evade tax, registration, and safety laws, putting unfair burdens and competition on taxi drivers.