Vehicle for Hire (VTC) licenses in Bizkaia have nearly tripled in the last twelve months, with 294 permits now in effect as of June 1st. Official data indicates a significant increase in services offered by major tech platforms across the territory. This trend has drawn criticism from traditional taxi drivers, who allege unfair competition and "dirty play."
The Provincial Council, responsible for processing these permits, has stated it has no choice but to approve all applications that meet the requirements, as mandated by law. This follows the judicial annulment of measures implemented a decade ago to control the proliferation of VTCs in Spain.
The rapid expansion of platforms like Uber and Cabify has reshaped the taxi landscape in Bizkaia. Current figures show one VTC for every four traditional taxis in the region. Specifically, there are 294 VTC licenses compared to 1,186 traditional taxis (775 of which are in Bilbao).
This ratio is unprecedented. For instance, in 2020, there were only 39 rental-with-driver authorizations, equating to one VTC for every 32 taxis. In 2018, the aim of the 'Ábalos decree' was to maintain a ratio of no more than one VTC for every 30 taxis.
That limit has been significantly exceeded. The speed at which new licenses are being granted is particularly striking. The "explosion" of Uber and Cabify is a reality. In June 2025, there were 104 permits; a year later, they have nearly tripled. Another indicator: last May, 26 VTC permits were issued in Bizkaia, increasing the total from 268 to 294, a 9.70% fleet increase in just 31 days.
While VTCs are growing, the number of traditional taxis is declining. In September last year, there were 1,247 taxis in the territory. Nine months later, this figure has dropped to 1,186, representing a loss of 61 traditional licenses, nearly a 5% decrease.
Uber arrived in Bilbao a few months before the pandemic, and Cabify at the end of 2024. Previously, only 38 VTC cars operated in the region, offering on-demand services. These were typically taxi drivers with loyal clients, such as large companies or executives, who operated independently. VTCs were conceived precisely to provide legal coverage for such self-employed individuals.
Is there enough work for everyone in Bizkaia? For both VTCs and taxis? This question lingers. Borja Musons, president of taxis in Euskadi, recently acknowledged that the sector is experiencing a good period, though not the best, admitting there is work but competition is increasingly fierce.
Uber and Cabify have opened up market niches previously untapped, such as the youth segment, who find it easier to book via a mobile app with a fixed price than calling traditional services. They are also popular among tourists accustomed to using these platforms in their home countries.
Neither company discloses its revenue figures, which are kept confidential. They also do not provide data on the number of vehicles operating in the territory. According to various consulted sources, Uber may exceed 150 licenses in Bizkaia, while Cabify is approaching a hundred. The latter platform uses Polestar models from the Volvo Group, and its vehicles are frequently seen in the Swedish firm's workshops in Enekuri for servicing.
Currently, all incoming VTC applications in Bizkaia are being processed because the Provincial Council lacks the tools to halt their expansion. "There is a legal loophole," admitted sources from the Department of Transport months ago, "we are obliged to process them because otherwise, we would be breaking the law, as it is a regulated process."
Consequently, every application received is reviewed and approved if it meets the minimum requirements: paying an initial fee of 24.95 euros (renewed every two years for 19.91 euros), holding a B driving license (no street knowledge exam required like taxi drivers), being registered as self-employed or with a company in the sector, and having no outstanding debts or penalties. Furthermore, the primary obligation is that applicants must purchase zero-emission vehicles (electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen) to comply with areas aiming to mitigate pollution. Despite these rules, 520 applications were rejected last year for failing to meet some of these criteria.
Fines of 1,001 euros. Traditional taxi drivers have been protesting against VTCs for some time, having blocked Bilbao's city center on several occasions in recent years. They are demonstrating against what they deem "zero" control by authorities. "We have no problem with Uber-type licenses being granted. We oppose the violation of regulations, as they conduct urban services and cruise the city looking for clients, which is prohibited," recently warned the president of Basque taxi drivers.
Regional law mandates VTCs to exclusively conduct interurban journeys. However, according to taxi drivers and verifiable through Uber's own app, this is not adhered to, as trips originating and ending within Bilbao can be quoted. This behavior is punishable by fines of 1,001 euros for offenders.
