Spanish transport sector competition and regulation

The Spanish transportation sector is experiencing shifts in demand and competition between traditional taxis and VTC (Vehicle Through Contract) services. In the Balearic Islands, the transport sector has seen a slower summer season for organized tourist excursions, resulting in high idle rates for large coaches, though demand for smaller vehicles has increased. Local taxi operators in the region have reported improved efficiency due to a unified tariff system.

In Málaga, VTC services have surpassed traditional taxis in license numbers, with 3,398 VTC licenses compared to 2,708 taxi licenses. However, local authorities have maintained a ban on VTC platforms, such as Uber, Cabify, and Bolt, within the immediate areas of the Feria de Agosto festival grounds.

José Manuel Berzal, president of Unauto VTC, argued that this exclusion discriminates against VTC drivers and increases wait times for citizens. He noted that the lack of VTC access forces users to rely on taxis that struggle to meet demand or to wait at distant pickup points, which may pose safety risks during late-night hours.