The National Taxi Association(Antaxi) has called for a national mobilization in Madrid on January 29th. The protest aims to demand solutions to the disproportionate increase in the cost of insurance policies, which, according to denounce, are leading many cab drivers to the brink of economic unfeasibility. Some professionals face insurances that exceed 7,000 euros per year, according to data from the association. The route of the march will start at the Ministry of Transport and end at the Ministry of Economy, passing through Paseo de la Castellana. The demonstration will take place from 11:00 to 14:00 hours and seeks to make visible the difficult situation of the sector throughout the country.
An issue that affects all cab drivers
Antaxi denounces that insurance companies are applying “abusive practices”, especially affecting rural cabs and vehicles adapted for people with reduced mobility.
According to Julio Sanz, president of Antaxi, “rural cabs are on the verge of not being able to provide service due to the impossibility of taking out insurance”. In addition, cab drivers face difficulties in insuring Eco or zero-emission vehicles, despite the environmental requirements imposed by the administrations.
They demand concrete measures from the administrations
Antaxi also points to the need for the Insurance Compensation Consortium to offer products adapted to the specific needs of the sector. They argue that current regulations force cab drivers to take out policies with more guarantees than those of a private vehicle, which significantly increases operating costs. For his part, Sanz underlines the lack of involvement of public administrations and stresses that “the cab is an essential service for mobility and social inclusion”. The protest seeks to urge the authorities to act quickly to ensure the sustainability of the service and protect professionals.
A call postponed out of respect for the victims of DANA
Initially, the mobilization was scheduled for November, but was postponed as a sign of respect for the victims of the DANA that affected several regions, including Valencia and Murcia. Now, with the new date confirmed, the sector hopes to achieve a strong response from the institutions.
