Consultative Process for Taxi Services in Puerto del Rosario
The municipality of Puerto del Rosario has embarked on a significant initiative aimed at improving taxi services. With a focus on ensuring robust coverage throughout the city, especially during nighttime hours, the local government has initiated a consultation process with the taxi sector. This collaborative effort is designed to establish a service quadrant that will be in effect until December 31, 2026.
Purpose of the Consultation
On March 5, during an extraordinary meeting of the Taxi Board held at the town hall, city officials convened with taxi industry representatives. The main goal of this meeting was to address ongoing issues that have plagued the local taxi service, particularly non-compliance with public service requirements related to schedules and designated pickup zones.
The municipality aims to create a mutually beneficial framework that accommodates both the taxi professionals and the needs of the public. Mayor David de Vera emphasized the importance of the taxi service as an essential public utility in Puerto del Rosario, advocating for an organizational structure that meets the demands of both taxi operators and citizens.
Immediate Measures and Obligatory Shifts
To facilitate a smoother transition during this consultation period, the Taxi Board has established mandatory shifts for the month of March. The current quadrant model, used in December, will continue, placing a premium on city and nighttime shifts, while other shifts will be deemed non-obligatory.
For nighttime service, the plan calls for a minimum of three conventional licenses alongside one license adapted for persons with reduced mobility (PMR) per shift. This arrangement aims to ensure comprehensive coverage without any free shifts, thereby enhancing service availability during crucial hours.
The Consultation Calendar
A unanimous agreement among participants paved the way for a structured consultation process, allowing taxi drivers to present their insights and recommendations regarding the service quadrant. This initiative is vital to optimizing shift distribution and ensuring a reliable service that meets the community’s needs.
Taxi professionals have the opportunity to submit their suggestions for quadrant arrangements until March 9 at midnight via the municipal transport email. Following this, a technical evaluation of all received proposals will take place on March 12, and those that comply with legal criteria will be published on the municipality’s dedicated taxi website, www.puertotaxi.com.
Important Dates
Following the proposal submissions, the provisional census of license holders eligible to vote, including a representative of employed drivers, will be disclosed on March 13. Any disputes regarding this census will be addressed by March 17, and the finalized list will be made public on March 18.
The voting process is scheduled for the same day, March 18, between 17:00 and 19:00 at the town hall. Results of the voting will be published the following day, March 19, on the same website.
The Long-Term Vision
The outcome of this consultative process will determine the operational quadrant for taxi services in Puerto del Rosario up until the end of 2026. The local government is hopeful that by fostering collaboration with taxi professionals, they can develop a service model that not only adheres to legal standards but also effectively meets the transportation needs of the community, especially during critical hours.
