In cities of the global south worldwide, the intricate web of informal taxi routes has evolved into a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that transcends the simple act of transportation. This blog delves into the entwined relationship between these informal taxi routes and politics, with a comparative analysis spanning across three diverse urban locations: Lagos, Quito, and Nairobi. This blog explores how these seemingly mundane routes have become a focal point for political manoeuvring, contestation, and violence, while significantly influencing the development of housing and commercial spaces.