In a significant move to protect the taxi industry from monopolistic practices, Elite Taxi has formally requested that no digital platform or corporate group be allowed to control more than 25% of taxi licenses in any given area. This proposal was presented to Sílvia Paneque, the regional minister for territory, and various political groups as part of a broader set of recommendations aimed at reforming the upcoming Law on Transport of Persons in Vehicles with up to Nine Seats.
Proposed regulations to prevent monopolies
The union argues that limiting control is essential to maintain fair competition within the sector. Their plan stipulates that both direct ownership and indirect control through pricing mechanisms or intermediaries must be considered when calculating this 25% threshold. Recently, major VTC groups and intermediary apps have aggressively recruited taxi drivers, raising concerns that without these restrictions, large operators would dominate the market by cherry-picking only the most profitable rides. This shift could undermine the public service obligations of taxis, which include providing coverage across all areas.
Beyond market control measures, Elite Taxi has proposed additional amendments aimed at fortifying the law against potential judicial challenges. They advocate for linking any restrictions on VTC operations to general interest reasons such as public health and citizen safety. For instance, they suggest that transport activities could be limited during traffic congestion if it endangers lives by delaying emergency services like ambulances or fire trucks.
The proposal introduces environmental criteria based on World Health Organization standards for applying restrictions related not only to gas emissions but also to pollutants from brakes and tires.
This initiative also includes environmental considerations aligned with World Health Organization guidelines. These criteria would allow for restrictions based on emissions from vehicles as well as particulate pollution generated by brakes and tires—an issue that could also impact electric vehicles due to their heavier weight.
Tito Álvarez, a representative of Elite Taxi, emphasized their commitment to collaborating with government officials and political parties dedicated to public interest in order to create a modern and legally sound regulatory framework. In addition to discussions with members from Esquerra Republicana, Junts per Catalunya, Comuns, and CUP, Álvarez plans meetings with Barcelona’s mayor Jaume Collboni in the coming days.
The legislative process surrounding this new transport law is expected to be slow and complex. Since its establishment in May 2026, there have been 122 requests for appearances, highlighting ongoing disagreements within the sector. Public hearings are set to commence on July 14, occurring bi-weekly without limit until all testimonies are heard. Each session may host around six speakers; thus, it could take up to 20 sessions, potentially extending the procedure by nearly a year before parliamentary groups can submit amendments based on gathered insights.
This comprehensive approach aims not only at regulating market dynamics but also ensuring that public safety and environmental standards are upheld in an evolving transportation landscape.
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