Summary
- Torrevieja City Council launches a public tender for new taxi licenses.
- Criticism arises over inaccessible technical requirements.
- Licenses are aimed to promote environmentally pleasant vehicles.
- Deadline for applications is March 24, 2025.
- Concerns about market availability for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Torrevieja’s Taxi License Tender Faces Criticism Over impractical Requirements
In a recent move, the City Council of Torrevieja has initiated a public tender to grant new taxi licenses, which has sparked controversy for imposing what many consider “inaccessible technical requirements.” Pablo Samper, spokesperson for the Sueña Torrevieja party, publicly criticized the tender, calling into question the feasibility of the application process, especially for small entrepreneurs and new taxi operators in the struggling local industry.
Background of the Tender
The city Council’s decision comes after a review of municipal regulations,which included announcing the creation of 16 taxi licenses to be issued in phases. In the initial round, six licenses will be made available. currently, the city has around 84 taxis servicing its population of over 106,000 residents.
Issues with the Application Process
Samper highlights several notable hurdles that potential applicants face:
- Complex Application Requirements: The detailed procedure is reportedly designed without consideration for the realities of the sector and places excessive demands on applicants. The process is carried out through a municipal contract platform more suited for established companies rather than individual drivers.
- Vehicle Acquisition Challenges: One of the main criteria for scoring favors applicants who can provide hybrid or electric vehicles, particularly euro taxis adapted for individuals with reduced mobility. Unfortunatly,the current market supply of suitable vehicles is very limited. Samper noted that hybrid vans, which would meet necessary standards, are virtually unavailable, with delivery times projected at 4 to 6 months.
- Incoherent Specifications: Further complicating matters, another requirement states that the vehicles must not exceed five years of age. However, applicants need to submit a technical vehicle sheet for a vehicle they have not yet purchased, adding another layer of frustration to the application process.
The Call for Revised Regulations
“It’s essential for Torrevieja to implement practical solutions instead of setting up a process designed to fail,” emphasized Samper. He insists that the City Council must instantly correct these discrepancies to ensure the taxi licensing process is fair and accessible.
Additional considerations
The challenges faced are not unique to Torrevieja, as cities worldwide grapple with modernizing their taxi services while also catering to green initiatives. However,the implementation of impractical deadlines—requiring that awarded licenses be operational within 60 days—has raised alarms about the viability of the entire initiative.
Moreover, with the limited presence of ride-hailing companies like Uber and Cabify in Torrevieja, local commuters may face further transportation challenges if these licensing issues are not resolved swiftly.
Conclusion
The City Council’s ambitious plans for expanding the taxi service in Torrevieja are commendable but currently riddled with difficulties. Stakeholders in the taxi industry and prospective drivers are calling for urgent revisions to make the process more attainable. Without such changes, the accessibility and reliability of taxi transportation in this vibrant coastal city remain in jeopardy.