Summary
- Torrevieja’s city Hall has initiated a public bidding process for taxi licenses.
- Concerns have arisen over unrealistic requirements and deadlines set for applicants.
- Focus on hybrid or electric vehicles is challenged by market availability issues.
- The timeframe for getting new licenses operational is considered unfeasible by local officials.
Unattainable Requirements and Unrealistic Timelines: The Controversial Taxi licensing Bidding in Torrevieja
the city Hall of Torrevieja has sparked controversy following the announcement of a public bidding process aimed at awarding taxi licenses. Local officials,particularly Pablo Samper,spokesperson for the political party Sueña Torrevieja,have raised alarms about the technical requirements and tight deadlines imposed on the applicants,asserting that they are not aligned with the reality of the taxi industry.
Details of the Taxi Licensing Process
this licensing process follows a review of the municipal regulations, leading to the creation of 16 new taxi licenses distributed over several phases. The initial phase allows for the bidding of six licenses,adding to the 84 taxis currently operating in the city.
challenges Faced by Interested bidders
According to Samper, potential bidders have encountered “serious difficulties” in submitting their offers. He criticized the complexity of the process, stating that it appears to be designed without considering the realities of the taxi sector. Some of the major challenges include:
- High Technical Knowledge Requirement: The bidding process necessitates a important level of technical and administrative knowledge, comparable to what municipal supply companies face when applying for public contracts.
- preference for Eco-friendly Vehicles: The criteria for awarding licenses favor bidders who opt for hybrid or electric vehicles, particularly euro taxis equipped for passengers with reduced mobility.
Concerns About Vehicle Availability
Despite the intention to promote cleaner transport, Samper points out that there is a notable lack of hybrid vans available in the market, rendering this requirement nearly unachievable to fulfill.He mentioned that the few models that could qualify have delivery times ranging from 4 to 6 months, alongside an additional 3 to 5 weeks needed for adapting vehicles for disabled individuals.Some hybrid models are disqualified from adaptation completely—due to battery placements hindering the installation of necessary ramps.
Unrealistic Deadlines for Implementation
One of the most contentious aspects of the bidding process is the stipulation that awarded licenses must be operational within 60 days of being granted. Samper has condemned this timeline as “simply and clearly unfeasible.”
Vehicle Age Restrictions and Associated Issues
Another stipulation requires that vehicles must be no more than five years old to qualify for a license, with additional points awarded for newer models. However, Samper raises concerns about the practicality of such a requirement, stating, “How can a bidder present the technical data sheet for a vehicle that they have not yet purchased?”
Calls for Revisions and Fair Access
In light of these challenges, Samper emphasized the need for urgent revisions to the bidding process, arguing that “Torrevieja needs solutions, not a process designed to fail.” The political party Sueña Torrevieja insists that the current framework excludes a vast majority of drivers and jeopardizes taxi services in the city.
Samper urges the City Hall to promptly correct these discrepancies, ensuring that access to taxi licenses is viable, fair, and transparent for all interested parties.
Conclusion
The ongoing controversy surrounding the taxi license bidding process in Torrevieja highlights significant gaps between policy and practical request. With city officials calling for revisions, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve and weather solutions will be implemented to support local taxi drivers.
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