Illegal transport in Ibiza continues to be a growing problem, despite the controls and measures implemented by the authorities.
The so-called pirate cabs operate with total impunity, affecting both tourists who unknowingly use these irregular services, as well as cab drivers who operate within the law.
The latest incident that evidences this problem occurred at Ibiza airport, where two women dedicated to illegal transport engaged in a fight for the recruitment of passengers. The altercation occurred just outside the arrivals gate, very close to the queue of official cabs, and a few meters from the information desk of the Consell de Ibiza, intended to guide tourists on legal transport services. According to witnesses, the two women argued heatedly over passenger recruitment, even going as far as insults, which attracted the attention of the people present.
From the cab drivers association of Ibiza, it has been reported that both women involved in the fight are of foreign origin.
@elitetaxicorsariseivissa♬ original sound – ELITETAXICORSARISEIVISSA
Those involved
One of them, a Romanian national, has been operating illegally on the island for more than 20 years, and is known in the sector as the “queen of the pirate cabs”, despite having been arrested on several occasions.
The other woman, originally from Central America, is equally well known among illegal transporters, especially because until recently she was pregnant and continued to drive despite being about to give birth.
The situation has once again put the spotlight on the problem of illegal transport in Ibiza, which seriously affects cab drivers who operate in a regulated manner.
A family business
The association explains that the pirate cab business has become a “family business”, in which several people from the same family collaborate to attract and transport tourists.
While one of the pirates captures the passengers, another waits for them at a strategic point to complete the journey.
Although various measures have been implemented to curb illegal transportation, the phenomenon has continued to grow, seriously affecting the regulated cab sector and putting tourists at risk who use these services without legal guarantees.
