The Bolt Barcelona protest features a satirical campaign across the city. Consequently, the mobility platform has installed green folding chairs at major landmarks. This action highlights the potential impact of controversial new transport regulations. That debate has been building for months — we covered it in Catalan Parliament prepares for a key vote on the Barcelona taxi law.
Dubbed #EsperaAssegut (‘Wait Seated’), the campaign responds directly to the future Catalan taxi law. The proposed legislation includes a mandatory two-hour pre-booking period for VTCs (Tourist Transport Vehicles). Therefore, Bolt claims this move will significantly penalise users and reduce mobility options. That debate has been building for months — we covered it in VTC drivers in Cornellà and El Prat face growing anxiety over the new taxi law.
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The ‘Wait Seated’ Bolt Barcelona protest
On Thursday, passers-by found green chairs placed in iconic locations such as Passeig de Gràcia. According to the company, these seats symbolise the forced downtime passengers will endure if the pre-booking regulations pass. That debate has been building for months — we covered it in another recent legislative proposal in Catalonia.
In a statement, Bolt described the measure as “absurd”. Meanwhile, Daniel Georges, Bolt’s director in Spain, commented on the irony of the situation.
“Symbolically, we emphasise that the only innovation that the new regulation would allow us is to ensure that our users at least wait those two hours comfortably.”Daniel Georges, Director of Bolt Spain
Projected impact of the Bolt Barcelona protest
Beyond the stunt, the company has released data projecting the economic and social impact of the law. For instance, Bolt estimates that the new restrictions would cause a 25% drop in the supply of on-demand mobility in Barcelona.
The platform argues this reduction will disproportionately affect residents, workers, and tourists. Moreover, the public transport system is already under high pressure. They warn that sectors such as tourism and hospitality will face direct negative consequences. Therefore, spontaneous travel will become more difficult.
Looking backwards?
Georges urged political leaders to collaborate with the sector rather than impose restrictions. He noted that “freedom of mobility should not be a waiting game”. Furthermore, he contrasted Barcelona’s approach with other European capitals. These cities are moving towards integrating autonomous vehicles. In addition, he suggested that the Catalan regulations are “looking to the past”.
The company also warned that the measure could foster “social inequality”. This would widen the gap between citizens who own private cars and those who rely on shared mobility solutions.
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