Catalonia has started reviewing a law that could radically change the passenger transport market. The new bill, informally known as the ‘taxi law,’ has sparked intense debate among politicians and industry representatives. The focus is on the future of Uber, Cabify, and other companies operating under VTC licenses. If approved in its current form, the legislation would reduce the number of permits for such services in Barcelona by nearly two-thirds, affecting thousands of workers and their families.
As El Pais notes, the initiative is supported by most parliamentary groups, except Vox, which tried to block the discussion but remained in the minority. At the same time, Junts, though having signed the bill, announced plans to seek amendments to protect the interests of the VTC sector. Party representatives emphasized their intention to defend the rights of companies and workers connected to Uber and Cabify, calling for more flexible conditions for issuing and renewing licenses.
Restrictions for VTC
According to the bill, taxis in Catalonia would be recognized as a service of special economic importance. Strict limits are proposed for VTC: out of 990 active licenses in Barcelona, only 390 would remain. New permits would primarily be issued for taxis, while VTCs could receive only short-term licenses for up to two years, with no automatic renewal or transfer rights. This would effectively mean the gradual disappearance of such services from the market.
Authorities also reserve the right not to renew licenses if vehicles do not meet environmental standards or if there is an oversupply on the market. In addition, all taxi and VTC drivers will be required to prove their knowledge of the Catalan language at level B1, although Junts and CUP demand to raise this threshold to B2. Another new measure is mandatory geolocation of all vehicles and ongoing monitoring by the administration.
Political disagreements
The parliamentary debate revealed deep divisions among the parties. PSC and ERC representatives believe that the law is necessary to protect passenger interests and prevent abuses. Comuns oppose ‘grey employment schemes’ and promise to combat unregulated work in the sector. CUP criticizes Uber and Cabify for putting pressure on the market and manipulating prices. Vox, on the other hand, claims the bill contradicts European regulations and does not provide legal certainty. PP and Aliança Catalana have also expressed doubts, pointing to possible negative consequences for the labor market and transportation accessibility.
The leader of Barcelona’s taxi drivers, Tito Álvarez, responded sharply to the stance of Junts, accusing them of creating the current situation and warning against using the taxi issue for political purposes. He expressed hope that ongoing discussions will preserve strict restrictions for VTCs.
Impact on the transport market
In the coming weeks, the bill will be refined by the relevant commission, where further amendments are possible. The final version is expected to be approved by the end of the year. According to russpain.com, similar initiatives have repeatedly sparked mass protests by taxi drivers and VTC drivers in Spain. In recent years, Madrid and Barcelona have seen strikes in response to attempts to restrict the operations of Uber and Cabify. In 2024, a similar bill triggered a wave of discontent among transport providers, and in some regions, led to a temporary suspension of VTC services. Attention is now focused on Catalonia, where the outcome of the discussion could set the tone for the entire country.
