Spain: Uber resumes services in Barcelona March 13

Event

The ride-sharing company Uber announced on Tuesday, March 13, that it would be resuming services in Barcelona following a three-year suspension. According to the company, 120 professional drivers, with cars that have been granted licenses from the local authorities to ferry passengers for profit, would be available via the UberX service - Uber's private-hire single passenger car service - effective immediately.

Context

The Spanish taxi industry has fought against ride-sharing companies' presence in the market for years due to what they perceive as unfair competition. Several taxi companies have pledged to track Uber’s Barcelona activities for any sign of illegal activity and have asked Barcelona city hall to be “uncompromising.”