The taxis in the capital are currently facing scrutiny. On one hand, they have to deal with a recent grievance from the Port Authority concerning the standard of service that certain cab drivers are providing to cruise guests arriving at the Chicharrero port. On the other hand, they are contending with the “negative” assessments made by the local Police regarding the planned routes by Élite Taxi for six demonstrations, scheduled from November 26 to December 30, in the city centre, directed against the municipal management over the recovery of licenses, among other matters.
The request submitted to the Government Subdelegation by the taxi employers’ association in question pertains to the organisation of four demonstrations (on November 26 and December 3, 10, and 17, from 12:00 to 14:30, along Las Ramblas and La Marina street; as well as on December 23 and 30, from 19:00 to 21:00, on Tres de Mayo Avenue). In response to these requests, the local Police have issued distinct reports, which DIARIO DE AVISOS has obtained, expressing a “negative” outlook on the carrying out of these routes at the specified times and locations, hence, the organisers anticipate a participation of 350 vehicles, leading to a “substantial traffic congestion” in these areas.
The police report indicates that the initial four protests “would coincide with the dismissal time of students from La Pureza, Hispano Inglés, and Escuelas Pías schools, which could cause indefinite waiting periods for minors, as the arrival of the parents to collect them may be delayed,” it cautioned. Additionally, “the traffic congestion would also impact nearby hospitals and the response time of police vehicles, fire brigades, or ambulances in the case of an emergency on Las Ramblas.”
Concerning the second route planned for December 23 and 30, the Police caution that it would likewise result in a traffic jam, as it “aligns with a significant movement of vehicles for Christmas shopping towards the Tres de Mayo shopping centres, combined with the cars using that road to return to their homes or workplaces.” Furthermore, it observes that the taxi protest route “would have an effect on the National Police station, the Fire Station, and the headquarters of the local Police.”
In both scenarios, “it is requested that the number of vehicles participating be minimised to the lowest possible level, while still allowing for the exercise of the right to protest,” the report states, which also reminds that, “during the demonstration, drivers must avoid halting at intersections and comply with the environmental protection regulations regarding noise and vibration emissions.”
Additionally, the Port Authority’s complaint, which has been communicated to the city council, Élite Taxi, and the Nogal company (responsible for managing the public transport service at the port), pertains to the treatment of passengers by taxi drivers operating at the pier, who decline transfers to the city centre as they are “exclusively for excursions or trips to airports.”
Complaint
In light of complaints from shipowners and cruise passengers, the Port Authority has reported this situation to several authorities, citing that “it constitutes unfair competition and denies passengers access to vehicles, particularly on Sunday evenings. Moreover, if such behaviour continues, companies may consider excluding the port from their routes or seeking private mobility services.” It also warns that “the Port Police will enhance monitoring to identify and penalise such behaviour. Taxi drivers who continue with these practices could have their operating permits revoked and face fines of up to 60,000 euros.”
In this context, the Councillor for Mobility, Evelyn Alonso, expressed the council’s concerns yesterday regarding “this denial of public service by taxi drivers, for which the responsibility lies with the president of Élite Taxi, Miguel Ojeda, who manages this service. We are offering our cooperation to Ports following their announcement of potential penalties against taxi drivers for refusing to provide services in the city, but as the City Council we lack authority in the port area. This situation is unacceptable as it harms the wider sector for the actions of a few, and on December 3, the Taxi Board will be informed about this issue and compliance with legal obligations regarding service will be demanded.”
Concerning the mobilisations announced within the taxi sector, Alonso stated that “the six demonstrations called by Élite Taxi merely reflect the strategy of its president to create a spectacle, as always, given that the arguments he puts forth, regarding the City Council’s management of the license recovery, do not hold water. We are adhering to the agreed schedule and will fulfill our commitments. An investment of 1.2 million has already been made for the recovery, and in 2024, this will be settled.”
