VTC drivers in Cornellà and El Prat face growing anxiety over the new taxi law, fearing job loss in a sector that employs many older and migrant workers who struggle to find alternative employment. .

New Taxi Law Threatens VTC Livelihoods

Pepe (not his real name), a driver in his 60s, illustrates the anxieties felt by many.

Your browser does not support the video tag.He left a physically demanding delivery job two years ago. Now, he drives for Moove, a major VTC firm partly owned by Uber, operating from the El Corte Inglés car park in Cornellà. However, he says the job offers decent conditions. It pays the minimum wage, with bonuses for seniority and safe driving. There are also incentives linked to earnings. Meanwhile, pepe hopes to retire in this role. But the proposed new taxi law casts a shadow. If approved in 2026, it could drastically reduce the number of urban VTC licences in Barcelona and its metropolitan area. Additionally, according to El Periódico, this prospect is causing considerable worry among VTC drivers.

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An Aging and Migrant Workforce at Risk

Pepe’s situation isn’t unusual. Many drivers, both foreign nationals and those over 50, have turned to VTC work after facing rejection elsewhere. Others had to abandon their previous professions. However, juan Saldaña, a chef for 31 years, had to quit due to arthritis. Meanwhile, he’s found an alternative driving VTC. “I earn less, but my quality of life is better,” he explains. Additionally, the Free Transport Union (STL), which represents most VTC workers, says that around 73% of the sector’s roughly 6,000 workers in Catalonia are migrants. Additionally, 49% are over 52. In fact, the Catalan Parliament might start debating the new taxi law this month. Also, it aims to gradually reduce VTC permits. However, there are concerns about how to maintain sufficient service levels. However, there are already shortages.

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Drivers Seek Solutions Amid Uncertainty

Moove and Vecttor (owned by Cabify) drivers have voiced their concerns about what the future holds. That is, if the law passes in its current form. Some believe the legislation won’t be approved as it stands, and there will be more scope for VTCs. However, others are already considering taking the taxi driver exam. Meanwhile, others are considering moving to buses, or seeking transfers within their companies to regions with more relaxed VTC regulations. Juan Pablo, 44, from Colombia, has lived in Catalonia for three and a half years. Additionally, he drives for Uber through Moove. In fact, he plans to “hold on” here until the law changes. However, he is exploring driving opportunities outside Catalonia. Also, “It has been difficult to find work in another sector here,” he says. Hugo, 67 and from Ecuador, needs the income from driving to support his family, despite being of retirement age. However, vanesa, 50, a VTC driver for five years, says it’s hard to find work at her age. She appreciates the “human touch” and conditions of her current role. Meanwhile, this includes good camaraderie. Additionally, in the future, she might consider taking the taxi exam, if she needs a similar job. In fact, applications for taxi driver exams have increased significantly since 2023. Both candidates and the taxi sector say there are immediate job opportunities once the exam is passed. Also, while most drivers seem happy with their working conditions, there are criticisms. However, one such issue is the pay amongst Cabify employees. Josep Díaz, a union delegate for STL and Vecttor employee, states Moove is generally well-regarded. But, there are more complaints about working hours and salaries among Vecttor drivers. Meanwhile, next month, Vecttor drivers are due to begin negotiations for a new labour agreement. Additionally, they will seek to match the conditions offered by other companies. In fact, several VTC drivers recognise the need for greater professionalism. And they are calling for stricter entry requirements and vehicle inspections. Also, workers remember that when these platforms first started, drivers had to wear a tie. Also, they needed to keep their cars spotless. That initial strictness has eased in many companies and, in some cases, disappeared. However, the future taxi law focuses on other requirements for VTC drivers. These include passing language and street knowledge tests, similar to those required for taxi drivers. Meanwhile, according to the original report in El Periódico, the drivers interviewed believe the elimination of most VTC jobs won’t be offset by new taxi licences. Additionally, this means a direct transition from one sector to the other won’t be possible. In fact, the current supply shortage will worsen. Also, they insist that “there is a market for everyone”. While they want to raise standards, they see the possibility of finding a middle ground between the current situation and the proposed law.

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