El próximo 29 de enero de 2025, el sindicato Élite Taxi ha convocado un paro total del servicio y marchas lentas en las rondas de Barcelona, específicamente en la Ronda de Dalt y la Ronda Litoral, de 10:00 a 14:00 horas. Esta movilización tiene como objetivo protestar contra los «abusos de las aseguradoras» y la presencia de Vehículos de Transporte con Conductor (VTC) ilegales que, según los taxistas, afectan la viabilidad de su actividad.
Mobilization details
Route of the marches
The protest will be organized in two columns of taxis that will depart from terminals 1 and 2 of Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Each column will travel along one of the two aforementioned routes, crossing each other on the way and returning to the starting point along the other route. During the route, it is intended to block key areas such as Port Olímpic, Avinguda Diagonal and the port's truck exits.
Industry requirements
Cab drivers demand measures against insurance company abuses, which, they claim, are making their activity as cab drivers unviable. In addition, they demand greater regulation and control over illegal VTCs, which, according to them, compete unfairly. They criticize the negligence of the Ministry of Transport and the Minister Óscar Puente, who, they say, looks the other way while the families of taxi suffer the consequences.
Impact on the service of taxis in Barcelona.
Possible service disruptions
During the hours of the protest, it is likely to experience disruptions in the service of taxis in Barcelona. The mobilization will mainly affect those taxis directly participating in the strike, but slow marches and street blockades may also generate inconveniences for the services of radio services taxi such as the one offered by El Taxi 033. Users are advised to plan ahead and consider public or private transportation alternatives to avoid inconveniences.
Rates of taxi in Barcelona
Importantly, by 2025, taxi rates in Barcelona will increase by 4.7%. This increase adds to the sector's concerns about operating costs and unfair competition. Despite the mobilizations, users of radio taxi such as El Taxi 033 could face higher prices depending on the official tariff that will govern from this year onwards.
Reactions and perspectives
Opinions of cab drivers
Cab drivers express frustration at the lack of effective action by the authorities to address their demands. They believe that insurers are imposing unaffordable policies and that the presence of illegal VTCs is seriously affecting their livelihoods. Workers in the sector see in the mobilization an urgent need to have the value of their work recognized in the face of unfair competition.
Response from the authorities
So far, local and national authorities have not issued official statements on the protest. It is expected that in the next few days they will make a statement on the matter and establish measures to guarantee security and order during the mobilization. Likewise, it is crucial that the authorities take into account the interests of all the actors involved, including the radio services taxi such as El Taxi 033, in order to avoid further conflicts in the sector.
Tips for users of taxis in Barcelona
Advance planning
Users of taxis in Barcelona, including those requiring radio services, are advised that radio taxiare advised to plan their journeys in advance, considering possible delays or the need to use alternative means of transport during the hours of the protest.
Updated information
Stay informed through official sources and local media on the development of the protest and any changes in transportation service in the city. If you are a taxi radio user, El Taxi 033 will provide you with up-to-the-minute updates to ensure your convenience.
The call for a strike and slow marches by cab drivers in Barcelona reflects the existing tensions in the taxi sector, especially in relation to operating costs and competition from illegal VTCs. It is essential that authorities and industry representatives work together to find solutions to ensure the viability of the taxis service in the city and user satisfaction. If you are a client of El Taxi 033, you can count on our efficiency to continue offering a quality taxi radio service during these complicated times.
