New Rules for Taxi Services in Lanzarote to Improve Public Transport
Lanzarote’s government has published a new regulation that aims to enhance taxi services in high-demand areas at the César Manrique Airport and Arrecife Port. This initiative is seen as a necessary response to two decades without specific guidelines for taxi services, addressing ongoing demands from the taxi sector, local authorities, and the public.
Cabildo president Oswaldo Betancort described the regulation as a crucial step towards modernising transportation on the island, stating it will better serve both residents and visitors. He pointed out that Lanzarote has seen significant changes in recent years, with transport infrastructure experiencing record user numbers. The new rules are intended to ensure timely, coordinated, and legally sound taxi services during peak times.
Transport councillor Miguel Ángel Jiménez emphasised that the regulation addresses a real need for suitable transport in busy areas. He noted that the rules were developed based on a socio-economic study and local mobility data, highlighting that the airport handled over 8.7 million passengers in 2024 and the port catered to more than 600,000 travellers.
The regulation officially designates the César Manrique Airport and Arrecife Port as “Sensitive Areas” due to their strategic public interest and high user volume. This classification allows for temporary measures to bolster taxi services during busy periods, including taxis coming from other municipalities, subject to technical guidelines from the Cabildo.
Additionally, the new rules introduce systems for better management and control, ensuring transparency and the use of official fare rates set by the Canary Islands government. A follow-up commission, including representatives from various sectors, will oversee the service’s efficiency and implementation.
Throughout the regulation’s development, feedback was sought from affected municipalities, taxi associations, and user organisations, ensuring that the measures reflect the actual needs of Lanzarote’s population.
