Cabify and Uber have a serious problem in Barcelona: the new "Taxi Law" from Catalonia seeks to exclude VTCs

Catalonia is advancing a new "Taxi Law" aimed at significantly reshaping the ride-sharing landscape in Barcelona and potentially impacting companies like Uber and Cabify. This legislation seeks to prioritize and protect traditional taxi services, marking a notable step in regulatory efforts to balance emerging digital transport platforms with established public services. The proposed measures signal a growing trend in European policy towards safeguarding local industries from the dominance of global tech giants. The core of the proposed law involves declaring the taxi service a "commercial interest" to shield it from competition, with new VTC licenses facing stringent limitations. Specifically, any new VTC licenses would be temporary, expiring after two years and remaining non-transferable, while excessive VTC supply could lead to temporal service restrictions. Furthermore, a critical provision seeks to limit VTC operations to interurban areas, effectively barring them from Barcelona's metropolitan zone where most demand resides. These regulations will primarily affect VTC operators and drivers, potentially limiting their market access and profitability in Barcelona. For consumers, the shift could mean a reduced availability of VTC services and a potential increase in reliance on traditional taxis. The legislation also introduces stricter requirements for both taxi and VTC drivers, including Catalan language proficiency and GPS monitoring, reflecting a broader push for standardization and oversight in the digital mobility sector. The parliamentary debate saw the rejection of an attempt to halt the legislation, with key parties supporting its progression. This backing suggests a strong political will to implement these changes, pushing forward a policy that champions local services and potentially fosters greater European digital sovereignty in the transportation sector.