The Taxi Association of Antigua has erupted against the City Council, citing what they view as an unequal and prolonged handling of a crucial public service that significantly impacts both residents and tourists alike.
The conflict traces its roots to the decision made by the association, presided over by Juan Antonio Fránquiz, to opt out of incorporating a new management tool for taxi services. This innovative system was rejected through a collective vote by most associated professionals, leading to a schism that resulted in the formation of a rival entity, the Caleta de Fuste Antigua Primera Taxi Association. This new group, led by the previous president Paco Vera, began operating independently of the original association, marking the beginning of escalating tensions.
Fránquiz explains that the core issue arose when the City Council appeared to favor the newer association, which, over time, has diminished the power of the original group. By December 2024, the Antigua Taxi Association formally requested information from the City Council regarding the presence of promotional materials from the service management company, displayed in public bus shelters and taxi stands.
With no response from the council in over a year, the association decided to place their own informational signs, featuring contact numbers, in the same locations and of similar dimensions to those of the competing group. However, approximately six months later, on April 22, 2026, the City Council promptly responded, demanding that the association remove their signs within a mere five days.
Through legal counsel, the members refuted the council’s claim by arguing that their signs were informational rather than promotional. Yet, the City Council remained silent on this defense, and after a prolonged lack of communication since 2022, the association filed a complaint with the Diputación del Común, marking a second attempt to seek resolution after an unsuccessful initial plea in 2025.
Impact on Tourists and Residents
The documentation submitted by the Antigua taxi professionals outlines not only their struggles but also the effects of “unfair competition” from the competing management organization on local residents and tourists. One notable complaint involves the sending of SMS messages to clients using the municipal taxi service, who had previously contacted the original association. These messages directed them to reach out to the rival association instead, using a database built from calls from November 2023 to November 2024, igniting frustration among those affected.
Fránquiz also shared a communication from the service promoters sent to local hotels, urging them to use the rival application in exchange for rewards points and travel perks. While they lack concrete evidence, they sense that more incentives exist to divert business away from the original association, leading to a growing number of hotels ceasing operations with them. “Tourists sometimes wait up to 40 minutes for a taxi because hotels rely solely on one association. It’s astonishing,” Fránquiz notes, highlighting the adverse impact on the destination’s reputation.
Suspicions of Irregularities at the Diputación del Común
Among the documents submitted to the Diputación del Común is a notification the Antigua Taxi Association received from the Treasury regarding a named grant. This economic aid, which the City Council approved in October 2024, was intended to support their organization through an agreed convention. However, Fránquiz states that the €50,000 grant never made it to the association, although the tax authority still pursued repayment.
As a result of this, the convention was annulled to avoid financial liabilities for aid they never received. Fránquiz expresses outrage at the disappearance of funds that were explicitly designated for the Antigua Taxi Association, voicing concern over where this financing has gone. Additionally, growing suspicions arise from information disclosed in a chat group involving several taxi professionals, which was active before the split.
Fránquiz claims to have accessed this chat, where the administrator reportedly discussed actions bordering on illegality, admitting to “inflating” budget proposals. For the justifications necessary for the approved €50,000 subsidy, documents allegedly included receipts for acquiring IT equipment and miscellaneous items, which summed to €62,333.69. Discussions within the chat allegedly indicated that “this inflation of costs is standard practice for any business seeking grants.” In a somewhat alarming revelation, it was noted that “this is done everywhere” and that they felt secure in these practices due to the existence of tangible proof, raising questions about ethical management practices within the competing association.
Two Associations and Independent Professionals
Fránquiz does not shy away from expressing his indignation towards the situation, stemming from the perceived support of the City Council for this new association. Currently, he laments, there are two associations and several professionals—around six or seven—who operate independently, benefiting from the management system without contributing financially, unlike their peers. He also warns of professionals who undercut standard rates by offering rides from Castillo to Puerto del Rosario for just €15, disregarding established pricing guidelines.
In light of these circumstances, recently raised demands for tariff hikes remain unaddressed, as Fránquiz urges the City Council to adjust pricing that has gone unchanged for over 13 years, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Face-to-Face to Clarify the Facts
In response to these allegations, representatives from the management system have swiftly denied the claims made by Fránquiz. They request a face-to-face discussion to clarify all relevant details with him.
Additionally, they present a certificate from the president of the Caleta de Fuste Taxi Association, confirming that as of May 11, 2026, the organization has 21 associate professionals, establishing it as the majority group.
Furthermore, they maintain that the issue concerning the grant pertains to an administrative error on the part of Fránquiz’s association prior to the split, suggesting he should have been aware before making his public denunciations.
