Taxi Drivers in Barcelona Ramp Up Protests Over Insurance Increases and Illegal VTCs

In a show of collective dissent, taxi drivers in Barcelona recently initiated a slow march protest that skirted through major city routes, starting from the airport terminals and winding its way across key thoroughfares. The demonstration, known as "Operation Padlock," was orchestrated against what the drivers describe as excessive insurance hikes—claims of increases between 300% and 500%—and the disruptive presence of VTC platforms like Uber and Cabify. The taxi operators contend that these platforms are not only wreaking havoc on road safety but also unfairly burdening taxi drivers with inflated insurance accident rates.

While the protest led to traffic disruptions and complete service stoppages except for emergency cases, the taxi drivers view the action as a necessary, impactful expression of their grievances. Tito Álvarez, a spokesperson for Elite Taxi Barcelona, emphasized the intent to maintain a momentum of mobilizations, scheduling the next demonstration for February 11. He also called on local authorities to enforce stricter controls over the allegedly illegal VTC vehicles, claiming that approximately 90% of these vehicles in Catalonia do not comply with legal standards. Nonetheless, Álvarez reassured city stakeholders that taxi services would remain operational during high-profile events, even as intermittent protests are expected to occur between these events.