BARCELONA (Reuters) – Catalonia’s regional authorities is addressing the issue of lengthy queues for taxis on the world’s biggest telecoms conference, which begins in Barcelona on Monday, by stress-free restrictions on ride-hailing corporations like Uber and Cabify.
The Cell World Congress (MWC) expects to draw about 80,000 delegates from the world over this yr however previously there have been lengthy queues for cabs exterior the venue.
Catalan authorities have relaxed guidelines so ride-hailing cabs from throughout Spain can function in Barcelona between Feb.24 and March 7.
In September final yr, Spain’s regional governments had been instructed by the central authorities to concern new guidelines for non-public automobiles transporting passengers employed by way of cellular platforms akin to Uber, Bolt and native rival Cabify, after protests from taxi drivers over unfair competitors.
Some areas, akin to Madrid and Andalusia, allowed the drivers to proceed to function as earlier than, however others, akin to Barcelona, launched extra restrictive measures.
Ignacio Manzano, vice-president of ride-hailing business physique Feneval, stated the comfort of the foundations in Barcelona for MWC proved that the town didn’t have sufficient taxis throughout main conferences.
“There’s a lack of alternate options to get round in Barcelona because the Catalan authorities launched restrictions,” he stated in a press release.
“This era of grace is a recognition that the precise restrictions don’t signify the pursuits of the town.”
A spokesman for the Catalan authorities stated an exception has been launched on the request of Barcelona council for these ride-hailing cabs to supply providers for ten days.
(Reporting by Graham Keeley; Modifying by Christina Fincher)
