Lanzarote’s Cabildo, through SPEL-Tourism Lanzarote, is urging local councils to enhance taxi services during peak tourist months. This initiative aims to improve mobility for both visitors and residents across key tourist spots on the island.
The council is concerned about reports of long waits for taxis in various municipalities, which are causing frustration for locals and negatively impacting the island’s image. Recent queues at Marina Rubicón in Playa Blanca illustrate a growing issue during this busy season.
Oswaldo Betancort, president of the Cabildo, acknowledged the efforts of the taxi sector to manage high demand but stressed the need for local authorities to take action. “We need measures that respond to the reality affecting both tourists and residents,” he said. He urged councils to explore options for temporarily boosting taxi capacity during busy periods through dialogue with the sector.
Héctor Fernández, managing director of SPEL-Tourism Lanzarote, highlighted that mobility is crucial to the tourist experience. “Long waiting times can harm visitors’ perceptions of the destination, and this also impacts the quality of life for residents,” he explained.
The Cabildo is asking councils to consider ways to improve taxi services during high season, including the temporary granting of monthly licences. This approach, which has legal backing, could allow a rapid response to high demand without permanently changing the number of municipal licenses.
The council believes this strategy could effectively manage seasonal surges, particularly in areas with high user concentrations like ports, hotel zones, and commercial districts.
In addition to issuing monthly licences, the Cabildo and SPEL-Tourism Lanzarote are looking to optimise resources and explore further improvements to service coordination and availability to meet current demands on the island. They remain committed to collaborating with municipal authorities and the taxi sector to ensure an adequate public transport service for both visitors and residents.
