The Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council has updated its taxi service regulations to improve citizen accessibility and professional flexibility. According to Beatriz Artolazabal, Councilor for Public Space and Neighborhoods, the ordinance, in effect since 2017, has been adapted to reflect recent social and technological changes.
One of the key innovations for users will be the ability to request a taxi through a mobile application. The regulation mandates that this new system must be operational by December 31, 2027, driven by professional sector associations with municipal collaboration.
Furthermore, the new regulation guarantees the option of paying by card. All vehicles must be equipped with an operational POS terminal or card reader while providing service. User guarantees are strengthened, maintaining the requirement that at least 5% of licenses correspond to adapted vehicles, although currently 22 out of 194 licenses are adapted, exceeding 11%.
For professionals, the update introduces significant changes. A new regulation for exceptional cessation of activity is established, allowing up to four years to transfer a license in cases such as retirement or permanent inability to practice the profession. Additionally, the figure of excedencia (leave of absence) has been created, particularly for work-life balance.
Artolazabal emphasized that the ordinance not only modernizes the service for citizens but also facilitates the work of professionals and provides a more reasonable response to personal situations that were not adequately covered before.
