The Ibiza Town Hall has put the spotlight on the validity of the increases in GPS service fees paid by cabs in the municipality, recognizes that the municipal regulations have been breached in the increase of fees that days ago had been authorized and determines that the service cannot be disconnected from the members in case they have not paid the fee, while urging the Ibiza Taxi Island Federation (FITIE) to convene an assembly to expose the state of the accounts.
In a letter from the Department of Urban Transport, it is recalled that the Regulation of Operation of the Management System by Satellite Positioning Technology of the Fleet of the Urban Transport Service of passengers in light cars for hire with driver states that the “quotas must ensure that the real cost of the service is covered under normal conditions of productivity and organization”. However, from the FITIE had recognized to La Voz de Ibiza that the increase responded to the need to finance the expenses of the stops and a wage regulation that was overlooked.
The origin of the claim
The claim had been advanced by La Voz de Ibiza. In November, the drivers had had breakfast with an increase of 45 euros per month, the second in recent months since in June it had been 10 euros, which implies a rise of more than 50%, something that has raised questions that are added to the criticism for the the shortcomings of the geolocation system. Thus, from the beginning of the summer season to this part, the cost of the service has gone from 95 to 150 euros: 57% more. As a result of this situation, Joan Marí Rieraa member of the board of the Balearic Islands Autotaxis Association, has filed a complaint with the Ibiza Town Hall, which in the last few days has had a positive result. The consistory determined that, “after the numerous writings that we have received from the associates expressing disagreement with the FITIE fee increase, this official letter serves to communicate that the disconnection of the GPS service of the associates who have not paid the fee increase is not authorized until the situation is clarified“. To this end, the FITIE is urged to convene a meeting “with all its members to expose the state of accounts, to expose the model economic study that justifies the rise and to put an end to the discrepancies with the partners in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation of the Management System through satellite positioning technology of the fleet of urban passenger transport service in light cars for hire with driver of the City Council and also the Regulations for the provision of Public Service Autotaxi”. For his part, Joan Marí said this week that “we are waiting to be convened“.
The justification for the quota increase
On October 14, at the request of Antonio Roig Torres, representing the FITIE, a proposal to “update the amount of fees to its members, claiming losses in the last year by the association that provides the GPS service” was submitted to the City Council. Roig had recognized to La Voz de Ibiza that this decision was taken “after several executive boards in order not to work at a loss“. “In the budget assumed by the incoming board , a regulation of salaries in accordance with agreements and regulations of all employees of the plant was overlooked. And also derived from the increase in the expenses we have had with the issue of the company that is contracted for the controllers of the stops, is what has generated an increase in the quota,” he explains.
Non-compliance with regulations
In the letter signed by the alderman, it is recalled that Article 14 of the Operating Regulations of the Management System through Satellite Positioning Technology of the Fleet of the Urban Transport Service of passengers in light cars for hire with driver, specifies that the “quotas must ensure that the actual cost of the service is covered under normal conditions of productivity and organization.” “These fees may be revised exceptionally when there is a variation in costs that significantly alters the economic balance, for which the City Council must be duly motivated. The non-payment of the fees will be in accordance with the stipulations of the contract between the parties (the operating entity and the cab drivers). The operating entity has to elaborate a model of economic study, for the best management of the update of the quotas. The annual budget and the fees must be approved by the City Council”, details the regulation.
