Taxi drivers threaten to occupy Barcelona city center ahead of ride-hailing industry decision

Taxi drivers have threatened to occupy Barcelona's Gran Via avenue, crossing the city center, if the Catalan government fails to "restrict" the ride-hailing industry.

On Monday, the sector's spokesperson, Tito Álvarez, called for an "urgent" meeting with the executive, as soon as this week, just a few hours after government sources explained some details regarding the regulations that are being prepared.

Indeed, the 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.

Catalan government sources said on Monday that complying with a ratio of one VTC service for every 30 taxis would mean that there could be no room for traditional ride-hailing services such as airport transfers.

VTC drivers will need driving license for over a year

Besides the issues that are yet to be ruled on, the decree is expected to include a requirement for VTC drivers to have had a driving license for over a year, a ban on contracting such services on the spot in the street like taxis, and being authorized to operate across Spain.

According to the territory ministry, 4,000 VTC licenses have been granted in Catalonia, and 1,455 of them are providing ride-hailing services regularly.

As for taxis, there are 12,300 licenses across the country, and 10,500 of them operate in the Barcelona metropolitan area.