El Consell has approved the decree law that redefines the regulation of taxi and limousine service in the Valencian Community. The regulation introduces new measures for controlling and planning mobility, modifies current legislation, and seeks to guarantee a more orderly coexistence between both transport models.
The text was developed following a dialogue with representatives of the taxi and ride-hailing sectors. The regulation aims to provide greater legal certainty to the sector after several court rulings that have affected state, regional, and local regulations.
One of the main measures is the temporary suspension, for a maximum of two yearsThis includes new taxi permits in joint service areas and new state-level VTC (private hire vehicle) permits in the Valencian Community. This suspension will remain in place until a technical study on mobility and the situation of both sectors is carried out.
The exception applies to taxi licenses intended to reinforce the fleet of vehicles adapted for people with reduced mobility. In these cases, the assignment will be permanent and definitive.
More control over urban ride-hailing services
The decree establishes a new sanctions regime for ride-hailing services providing urban transportation. Very serious infractions may be sanctioned with up to 6.000 Euros and entail the immediate immobilization of the vehicle.
The regulations include penalties for conduct such as soliciting customers on the street without prior booking, driving around looking for passengers, or providing services outside the authorized area. Local councils may assume the authority to process some penalty cases and collect fines.
More licenses per holder in the taxi industry
For taxis, the decree increases the number of permits a single individual can hold. The maximum will be three ordinary licenses and up to five when they are associated with adapted vehicles.
La Generalitat This measure is proposed to encourage the hiring of salaried drivers, promote business development in the sector, and improve service delivery to users.
The process for granting new permits is also being made more flexible. Although the general ratio of one license per thousand inhabitants is maintained, new licenses may be created if there is demand or if there is a need to increase the number of adapted vehicles.
Changes in dedication, inheritances, and service areas
The regulation eliminates the requirement of full-time and exclusive dedication to working as a taxi driver. However, it maintains the incompatibility with owning or driving a vehicle for hire or hire in ride-hailing services.
The decree also regulates the transfer of licenses by inheritance and contemplates the case of minor heirs, who may be represented until they obtain the necessary training.
Furthermore, the termination of joint service areas is permitted at the request of any of the participating municipalities. The possibility is also maintained for municipalities with more than 200.000 inhabitants or with more than 200 taxis decide not to integrate into one of these areas.
Ride-hailing services will be allowed to provide urban transport on a temporary basis.
In the case of VTCs, the regulation provisionally enables state authorizations based in the Valencian Community to carry out urban transport for a maximum of two years or until the planned technical study is completed.
Furthermore, the limitation that linked the activity of VTCs exclusively to intercity services is eliminated, and the minimum waiting period is removed. 15 minutes to hire the service.
