International: Taxi News from Spain

The following concerns events in Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain, one of Spain's 17 autonomous communities with historical and cultural particularities. The measures there are therefore not representative of Spain as a whole.

Ride-service providers such as Uber express concerns about new regulatory measures

Hundreds of ride-hailing app drivers (Uber & Co.) slowed traffic in Barcelona (already in April 2025). Spokespersons for the ride-service providers expressed concerns about upcoming regulatory measures proposed by the Catalan government. They argue that these new rules would have significant impacts on their businesses, reduce the availability of the services and could leave about 4,000 people without jobs. The service providers are also considering legal action in response. (April 2025, source Catalan News, catalannews.com/business/item/ride-hailing-app-drivers-sector-sector-law-11-april-2025)

Ride services in Barcelona will decline due to new laws

The new taxi law announced by the Catalan government provides for a gradual reduction in the number of ride-services available in Barcelona. Drivers must install a location-based device to ensure compliance with the regulations. The law aims to regulate the ride-service market, but has provoked resistance from service providers. As a result, up to 600 Uber licenses could be removed from the market, leaving 300 available, according to estimates by the Catalan government. (16 September 2025, source Catalan News, catalannews.com/politics/item/ride-hailing-services-disappear-barcelona-taxi-law-16-september-2025)

The website of the national taxi association Federación Española del Taxi (FEDETAXI) refers to the legislative proposal, the adoption of which (for further passage) was decided on 25 September 2025 in the Parliament of Catalonia, more precisely in October 2025 (source Fedetaxi, fedetaxi.eu/la-nueva-ley-del-taxi-en-catalunya-que-cambia-para-ti-y-por-que-a-las-apps-no-les-gus):

• The aim of the reform, which reorganizes the market for vehicles with up to nine seats, is to clearly separate urban traffic between taxis and VTC services (vehicles with a driver, usually operated via apps).
• For taxi users, the law brings greater transparency and reliability. Official fares, state oversight and uniform quality standards should improve the service. The law also sets requirements for environmental friendliness and technical equipment—new vehicles will have to meet certain ecological standards in the future.
• Ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Cabify or Bolt will be heavily restricted in cities, especially in the Barcelona metropolitan area. They may operate only under certain conditions or on special occasions, for example at major events or when taxi capacity is insufficient. With this, the government aims to prevent oversupply and unfair competition against the traditional taxi.
• For taxi drivers, additional requirements will be introduced, including a minimum level of Catalan proficiency and binding standards for customer service and vehicle condition. This should strengthen the quality and professionalism of the profession.
• The law provides transitional arrangements to manage the transition in a socially acceptable way. VTC drivers should be supported if they wish to switch to regular taxi service, and there are funding programs for accessible and low-emission vehicles.

Overall, the reform is intended to mark a clear step in favor of the traditional taxi sector and toward a more regulated, sustainable and locally anchored mobility system in Catalonia. The adoption of the law is expected to take place in 2026 (see news further below).

Earlier in 2023 the EU Court of Justice rejected Barcelona's ride-hailing restrictions, in order to drastically restrict the number of cars operating with ride-hailing apps such as Uber, thereby protecting the interests of taxi services. (June 2023, Source Reuters, Reuters link)

In response, the Catalan government planned the new measures, which are now before adoption. (05.09.2023, Source Economic Times, m.economictimes.com/tech/technology/spain-set-to-impose-new-restrictions-on-ride-hailing-drivers/articleshow/101310644.cms)

There are currently similar efforts in the Spanish city of A Coruña (in Galicia, northwestern Spain, another autonomous community in Spain), where taxi drivers want to meet with the city council to draft a municipal ordinance regulating the activity of rental car drivers in the city. (17.10.2025, Source cadenaser.com/galicia/2025/10/17/taxis-vs-vtc-en-a-coruna-la-ciudad-estudia-una-nueva-ordenanza-de-movilidad-radio-coruna)

The parliamentary majority (in Catalonia) expects to pass the new taxi law in 2026

The parliamentary discussions have shown that a majority is in favor of passing a comprehensive new taxi law by 2026. This legislation should further control the growth of ride services. It reflects the government's approach to managing mobility services and maintaining pressure on platforms like Uber and Cabify. (25.09.2023, Source Catalan News, catalannews.com/politics/item/parliament-majority-expects-to-pass-new-taxi-law-in-2026)