Taxi drivers to 'paralyze' Barcelona next week in protest at ride-hailing services
Élite Taxi union proposes slow march through center of Catalan capital on Tuesday from 10 am to 1pm
Taxi drivers are determined to "paralyze" traffic in Barcelona next Tuesday in protest against the "threat" posed by ride-hailing services (VTCs).
The Élite Taxi union, which organized the protest, plans to march its taxis slowly through the city center from 10 am to 1 pm, starting from Plaça Espanya.
Élite Taxi spokesperson Tito Álvarez announced this in a press conference on Thursday, calling on the government to speed up regulations to control VTCs.
Álvarez claimed that there are "numerous" VTC companies seeking city permits to operate in Barcelona, entering "through the back door of Catalan legislation".
The announcement follows Cabify's installation of 200 suitcases in front of Sants station on Wednesday to highlight the lack of transportation options in Barcelona.
Representatives of the taxi sector attended the installation and warned that they were considering returning to the streets in response to this "challenge".
Álvarez criticized Cabify for launching an advertising campaign that "denigrates" taxi services.
"We will not allow this blatant attempt to corner us to succeed," he said.