The Balearic Islands steer passenger transport on course: fixed license numbers, minimum shares of accessible vehicles, and a central app for Mallorca.
What Changes - Quick and Clear
\nOn Monday, a decision was made that is likely to be felt in the coming months: The regional regulatory council approved a draft that reorganizes the rules for taxis and chauffeur services (VTC) on the islands. In short: there will be a cap, more accessible vehicles and digital control instruments – initially for Mallorca.
\n\nA License Cap and Five-Year Studies
\nIn the future, upper limits for taxi and VTC licenses will apply for each island. Every five years, the responsible bodies will present studies on actual demand – residents, tourists, train stations, ports and the existing traffic infrastructure will be taken into account. On site it sounds like this: A taxi driver on Passeig Mallorca said yesterday that clarity is finally needed; another at the airport at 7:30 a.m. spoke of 'too many unknowns' during peak times.
\n\nAccessibility Becomes Binding
\nA point that many welcome: At least 5% of the fleet must be accessible for people with disabilities. For VTC companies with more than ten vehicles, the quota rises to 10%. This means ramps, space for wheelchairs and appropriate driver training – small but concrete improvements for people who previously often had trouble finding a suitable vehicle.
\n\nDigitization: a Public App for Mallorca
\nThe government plans a public app to coordinate taxi services. The aim is to reduce empty trips, shorten waiting times and improve distribution across districts. Whether the app is truly convenient will be decided by the users – taxi drivers, hotel concierges and tour bus drivers monitor the development with eagle eyes.
\n\nReactions from the Industry
\nPoliticians emphasize sustainability and fair competition. Industry representatives warn against too rigid boundaries, especially due to strong seasonality. A longtime driver from El Arenal puts it succinctly: In summer you need more vehicles, in November less. The new rule must be flexible enough.
\n\nWhat Happens Now
\nThe draft goes into the final phase after the consultation. Once the regulation takes effect, the issuance of new licenses that has been suspended since last year will resume – under the new criteria. For travelers, a more stable, reliable picture is slowly taking shape. For drivers, it means re-timing, upgrading, and participating.
\n\nLocal details, voices and first rides will show in the coming weeks how theory translates to practice.
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