Barcelona taxi sector faces a major shift, with over half now operating through platforms like Free Now and Uber. A significant 6,029 taxi licenses are connected to these multinational companies.
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It’s important to note that a single taxi licence can be registered with multiple platforms.
Barcelona Taxi Sector Embraces Digital Shift
That’s right, a taxi could serve passengers hailing from a traditional radio taxi service like Taxi Blau (587 licenses) or Taxi Ecològic/Pro Taxi (538 licenses) and also accept rides via Uber or Free Now. The Institut Metropolità del Taxi (IMET) confirmed this, stating that licenses can be registered with several mediation companies simultaneously.
While major VTC brands like Cabify aren’t planning to enter the taxi market until new regulations are finalised, the presence of Uber and Free Now presents challenges. This is especially true considering the shift in fare structures, where a tenth of all services in the Barcelona area now use fixed pricing.
Concerns and Benefits of Platform Integration
Tito Álvarez, spokesperson for Élite Taxi, acknowledges the technological advantages of these platforms. However, he also points out they receive numerous complaints. “It’s important to mention both the good and the bad,” Álvarez stated. Meanwhile, Uber confirms their expansion within the taxi sector as an unstoppable trend. However, they aim to collaborate with half of Barcelona’s taxi drivers by the end of 2026.
The future of VTCs in Barcelona remains uncertain as the Catalan Parliament debates new legislation. José Manuel Berzal, president of Unauto VTC, warned that many workers could lose their jobs, and small businesses might close. However, he believes Barcelona residents will see fewer mobility options. Meanwhile, given this uncertainty, many drivers are opting to combine traditional street hails with app-based requests.
Increased Earnings for Taxi Drivers
Uber highlights the increased profitability as a key reason so many taxi drivers are working with them. They claim drivers earn more money and have greater freedom to choose when and where they work. For example, an Uber spokesperson claims taxi drivers working with the platform earn twice as much. However, this is compared to those working independently.
Looking ahead, platforms also want regulatory changes that would allow ride-sharing services within the taxi sector. Uber believes shared rides would increase driver earnings. Plus, they could reduce congestion and pollution. Autonomous taxis are also on the horizon, sparking both business interest and union opposition.
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