Mariano Torres, recently elected president of the Association of Self-Employed Taxi Drivers of Ibiza, has met with the councilman of Smart City, Public Transport, Beaches, European Funds and Projects, Tourism, Ruben Sousa, and have agreed to move forward with the installation of security cameras in cabs on the island. This meeting marks the beginning of his tenure as head of the main organization of the sector in the city.
“It was a meeting to make contact. It has been quick. I appreciate the work done by Alejandro Cardell after 12 years and I introduce myself as the new president,” said Torres in dialogue with La Voz de Ibiza. He also stressed that the issue of security cameras “is already contemplated in the current regulations”, which could facilitate its implementation. However, he added that the corresponding steps will be taken with the company in charge of providing the equipment. For his part, Councilman Sousa described the meeting as “very cordial” and highlighted the position of the new head of the union. “We have agreed to authorize security systems in vehicles. The City Council has already begun the procedures to regulate their use,” he indicated. “We also talked about the new call for cab driver licenses, scheduled for mid-March, and we have set a new meeting in two or three weeks to define the seasonal licensing plan,” explained Sousa, who also thanked Cardell for his “cordiality and commitment to the public service.” On the other hand, the referents agreed on “the need to adapt to the changes”.
“Security cameras are necessary.”
Torres, also a member of the board of directors of the Ibiza Island Taxi Federation (FITIE), assumed the presidency of the self-employed cab drivers a few days ago. will be seconded by Cardell, who now serves as vice president.
Among the new president’s priorities is the installation of surveillance cameras both inside and outside the associated cabs, which total around 130 vehicles. “This is a security issue. We must evaluate if the regulation needs to be modified or if it is already contemplated, but it is a necessary measure”, he had stated in his first contact with this media after the election of new authorities.
Combating intrusiveness and unifying the service
Another of the objectives set by Torres for his term of office is to combat intrusiveness in the sector. “We cannot continue giving the image of a banana republic. There are regulations, ordinances and laws that must be complied with,” he maintained. In addition, he supported the creation of a Mobility Consortium to unify the cab service throughout the island. “We must work together to provide a quality service that covers all demand,” he said. Finally, Torres pointed out that his action plan includes expanding the board of directors and focusing efforts on offering a service of excellence to citizens, adapting to technological advances and new ways of working. “This will come with time, but it is essential,” he concluded.
