Significant unrest is brewing among taxi drivers in Vitoria-Gasteiz concerning the mandatory shift policy imposed by the City Council to address service shortages during peak times. Following a year and a half of unsuccessful negotiations, a mandatory schedule has been implemented, ensuring at least 50 vehicles are available on Saturday nights and holiday eves starting in July.

This measure, opposed by the majority of taxi drivers, is expected to lead to the resignation of the Radio Taxi board, as confirmed by COPE Euskadi. Borja Musons, president of the Basque Taxi Federation, has labeled the initiative "irresponsible and unbalanced," stating that "imposing shifts on a sector of self-employed individuals, where everyone is different, is nonsense."

Musons elaborates on his rejection, highlighting the practical difficulties in adhering to minimum service requirements, which carry fines exceeding one thousand euros and potential taxi license revocation for non-compliance. "Some people cannot work these shifts due to personal lives and family responsibilities. In my case, I cannot work at night because I fall asleep. We could face problems," he explained.

The president of the Basque Taxi Federation mentioned that the Bilbao City Council had considered similar measures but opted for a more effective solution: establishing mandatory rest days. "This means that when it's your turn to work, you have to go out and earn money," he noted, advocating for a model that ensures service in a "more balanced" manner.

Public opinion is divided, but there's a consensus that finding a taxi on a Saturday night is difficult. One young woman shared her experience with COPE Euskadi, recounting waiting over an hour for a taxi and having to walk home. She finds the 'gautxori' night bus service impractical due to its infrequent schedule. However, she welcomes the minimum service mandate, understanding the drivers' reluctance as they will "have to work nights, whether they want to or not."

Another couple acknowledged that "there are few taxis in Vitoria" and see the necessity of night service. Nevertheless, they find the measure "complicated" and suggest that the specific night service might "not be profitable" for the drivers.

Individually and anonymously, taxi drivers propose strengthening the 'gautxori' service and night bus routes, with some even hinting at a potential strike. The decree allows for a period of public comment, and many taxi drivers are expected to submit their objections.