Barcelona’s main VTC association Unauto has condemned a proposed 7% taxi fare increase for the metropolitan area, calling it a direct financial blow to passengers. The criticism follows Elite Taxi’s proposal for across-the-board tariff hikes next year, which would mark the second significant increase after last year’s 5% rise. According to Unauto’s statement released on Tuesday, the taxi sector appears to be acting as though pending legislation to eliminate VTCs from Catalonia has already been approved.
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The Proposal Details
Elite Taxi, Barcelona’s principal taxi association, argues the increase responds to several years of rising operational costs. These include insurance premiums, vehicle maintenance, fuel prices and digitalisation expenses that drivers must absorb individually. The association additionally seeks a variable pricing system permitting 20% surcharges for non-essential or higher-risk services. This would apply to night journeys, entertainment districts and major events according to their proposal. Meanwhile, Barcelona continues facing broader transportation challenges as highlighted in our recent coverage of pedestrian safety concerns along the city’s green axes.
Political Context
The fare dispute occurs against significant political developments. In late September, five parliamentary groups registered legislation that would effectively remove VTC vehicles from urban routes across metropolitan Barcelona. Unauto’s executive president José Manuel Berzal accused taxi representatives of exercising monopoly influence over supramunicipal administration. However, the proposed legislation remains under discussion at the Catalan Parliament. This transportation policy debate coincides with ongoing political negotiations regarding urban investment priorities in the city.
Industry Response
VTC platforms including Uber and Cabify face potential exclusion from urban journeys if the parliamentary proposition becomes law. Unauto maintains that taxi services are proceeding as though competition has already been eliminated from Barcelona’s streets. The organisation has pledged to continue advocating for balanced transportation regulations that maintain consumer choice. Final decisions regarding both the fare increases and VTC legislation are expected in the coming months.
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