In a recent Taxi Board meeting held by the Mobility department of the Santa Cruz City Council, it was proposed that all taxis would be permitted to operate without any restrictions during the months of June, July, and August. This decision comes in light of the upcoming concerts scheduled in the capital during this period, aiming to meet the increased demand from users attending these events.
Councilor Evelyn Alonso explained that any changes to the taxi operations schedule would need approval from the council’s plenary session. The proposal to release the entire fleet during the summer months was initiated to better cater to the needs of users requesting more taxi availability for major events.
Furthermore, the meeting also discussed a strategic plan to enhance the competitiveness of the taxi service. Suggestions from various associations included the development of a mobile application and website for booking taxis, along with a unified phone line managed by the council. An increased tariff for the afternoon shift was also proposed to incentivise more taxis on the road during that time.
Enhancing customer service skills and ensuring uniformity among taxi drivers were highlighted topics during the meeting. Plans to update the taxi’s visual identity were put forward, although a decision was pending due to concerns about potential financial losses from advertising displayed on some vehicles.
Additionally, the city council offered to cover the cost of replacing the current blue line on the fleet with vinyl, as mentioned in DIARIO DE AVISOS. The meeting also saw a visit from the general director of Energy of the Canary Islands, Alberto Hernández, who announced a subsidy of 15 million euros from the Next Generation funds to promote the transition to electric and environmentally friendly vehicles.
Updates on the administrative procedures for the 2024 taxi driver permit exam, which is mandatory every two years, were shared during the meeting. Plans for the upcoming exam, likely to take place in October and November, were being prepared.
Other important topics discussed at the Taxi Board included the scheduled rescue of licenses, with 37 licenses expected to be processed this year by June. Additionally, plans were outlined for improving services for People with Reduced Mobility (PMR), including establishing a customer registry to verify the demand for PMR-friendly vehicles and increasing subsidies for taxi adaptations and new units.
