31 Jan 2019 | 08:12 PM UTC
Spain: Uber and Cabify to end service in Barcelona February 1 /update 7
Ride-sharing services Uber and Cabify announce they will pull service from Barcelona on February 1 due to new government regulations
Event
Ride-sharing services Uber and Cabify have announced they will end service in Barcelona on Friday, February 1, in response to new regulations passed by the Catalan regional government. Under the new regulations, customers have to request service 15 minutes ahead of their planned journey time. According to Cabify, the new regulation will make its business in Barcelona unviable.
Taxi drivers continue to hold demonstrations in Madrid to protest ride-sharing services. A protest was held in Madrid on Wednesday, January 30, with drivers blocking roads in the capital. Negotiations are ongoing between the city government and the taxi unions. Further protests are possible in the coming days along with associated transportation disruptions and traffic congestion. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Context
Violent taxi driver protests erupted in Madrid on January 23, 28, and 29, after protesters blocked major roads in the capital.
Taxi drivers in Barcelona launched a similar strike on January 18. On January 23, the Catalan regional government offered new regulations for ride-sharing companies.
Advice
Individuals in Madrid and Barcelona are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate travel delays and traffic congestion, avoid public demonstrations as a precaution, and seek alternate transportation arrangements if necessary.
