The majority association of SMEs and VTC self-employed workers, Movea, criticizes the measure that the Madrid government of Isabel Díaz Ayuso intends to implement, in the regulation on VTC that contemplates limiting abusive price increases at times of high demand, such as large sporting events or cultural. The new regulations also include other restrictions, such as penalizing service cancellations or unjustified delays.
This measure is intended to be implemented because in the last musical concerts held in the capital or surrounding areas during the summer there have been major mobility problems and the VTCs have taken the opportunity to skyrocket prices by ending in the wee hours of the morning and there being no other Public transportation options to get out of the venues.
Eduardo Martín, president of Movea, explains that a decalogue has been launched, with ten proposals, with which the platforms that operate with VTC are requested to make a firm commitment to professionals in the sector, especially small companies and the self-employed, which are the groups more sensitive to the increasing costs of the activity.
Among the minimums required of the platforms so that drivers who work with a VTC vehicle can continue operating are that the price per kilometer is always higher than the carrier’s costs; that proximity to the passenger for his assignment is a maximum; that recommendations be provided to pick up users in permitted areas and not in bus-taxi lanes, closed streets or taxi stops; as well as allowing advance payment in cash for trips exceeding 25 euros or disseminating guidelines regarding care for users with special needs, among other actions.
One of the companies that has already joined this initiative is Bolt Spain. Its director of public policies, Juan Luis Fernández, considers that “the sector is built by the large platforms and the thousands of families who make a living from the transportation sector.”
