70% want taxis and ride-hailing apps to coexist on equal terms, says Cabify survey

Barcelona residents are clearly in favor of new legislation to regulate the ride-hailing industry and taxis, according to a survey published by riding-hailing app Cabify on Thursday. 

Seven out of ten locals believe taxis and ride-hailing platforms should coexist to let the user choose whatever works best for them at the time. 

The survey took the opinions of 750 citizens without distinguishing if they are taxi or ride-hailing app users between June 13 and 17.

The research also pointed out that 71.2% of those surveyed view "positively" the idea that ride-hailing platforms can compete on equal terms to taxis, while only 14.2% are against this, Cabify shared.

Meanwhile, taxi representatives met on Wednesday evening with the Catalan government and left "moderately happy" with regards to the new regulation the executive is preparing. 

The Catalan territory ministry is drafting a decree to regulate the ride-hailing sector as the Spanish government's four-year moratorium permitting companies like Uber or Cabify to operate will be up in late September.

Judiciary to decide on ride-hailing vehicles to taxis ratio

The decree is expected to be in force for two years, with the possibility of extending it for two more years since the judiciary is yet to decide on some open cases.

For instance, judges have to decide whether booking ride-hailing services in advance and not on the spot is legal as well as how far in advance – the Catalan government had set a 15-minute waiting period for Cabify and Uber users and wants to keep it, while the Barcelona metropolitan authority expanded it to one hour, but this must now be ruled on by a judge.

Also, magistrates are expected to have their say on the ratio of ride-hailing vehicles (VTC) to taxis. While taxi drivers are lobbying for a 1:30 ratio, the Barcelona metropolitan area has set it at approximately 1:7.

The cabify survey released on Thursday shared that two out of three questioned are against having a time limit, while 16% of respondents agree with the ruling. 

Apps more used by under 30s

Taxis are more commonly used by those over 30 years old, the survey found. 

For those younger than 30, Cabify estimates that they prefer to use ride-hailing apps instead of a cab. 

"It has been shown that the taxi and ride-hailing options can coexist and is a positive outcome for the city and the area," Javier Dorado, head of institutional relations and public affairs at Cabify, shared in a statement. 

"Citizens, visitors, and tourists have understood this as they solve their mobility issues using whatever option works best at the time," Dorado added. 

The same survey shows that three out of four respondents prefer taxis to offer a fixed price as riding-hailing apps do. 

78% would like to have the option to hail a cab or a ride-hailing service from the same app. At the moment, the services are separated. 

Taxis could still go on strike

The new regulation has put taxi drivers on high alert, and have already threatened to go on strike and occupy the center of Barcelona. 

However, after the meeting with the Catalan territory ministry on Wednesday evening, the sector saw that the government is "willing to keep working" and they could reach a "deal" soon.

This will "not be easy or fast," Tito Álvarez, spokesperson for the Élite Taxi drivers union, shared after the encounter with authorities. The cordiality between both sides will help to erase "anxiety" felt in the sector recently and will improve negotiations. 

On the other hand, the survey published by Cabify shows that 42.3% of respondents believe protests and demonstrations are not fair and that the sector "should innovate for users to choose whatever they prefer."

15.6% believe that taxis "are already protected enough by public administrations," while 18.8% of respondents say riding-hailing platforms "endanger" cabs’ business.