The proposal to introduce a flat taxi fare in the Canary Islands is gaining increasing support, both among local governments and citizens. The initiative aims to simplify a currently complex system, characterized by different tariffs based on the type of service and the municipality. But what are the real benefits of this measure, and what logistical challenges must be addressed before it can be implemented across the entire archipelago?
Why a flat rate is necessary
Currently, taxis in the Canary Islands operate with two main fare types: Tariff 1 (urban) and Tariff 3 (interurban). Most municipalities in Tenerife, for example, have already abandoned the urban fare, adopting the interurban fare as the standard. The aim of the flat taxi fare in the Canary Islands It is precisely to standardize the price of the ride, regardless of the starting or ending point.
Francisco Guanche, president of the La Laguna Taxi Cooperative, explains that the measure would significantly simplify the lives of residents and tourists. "With a single fare, the cost of the ride would be clear from the start, without any surprises related to surcharges or municipal variations," he emphasizes.
In addition to providing clarity for users, the initiative would help local governments more easily manage tariff regulation and control, reducing errors and discrepancies.
The introduction of the T4 airport fee
Another proposed innovation involves the creation of Tariff 4 (T4) for transfers to and from airports. Currently, taxis charge a surcharge of €2.10 on top of the standard fare, often causing confusion among passengers. The new T4 would directly add to the total fare, preventing arbitrary additions by some drivers.
According to Guanche, the T4 would ensure greater transparency and reduce unfair behavior by a handful of taxi drivers, who sometimes charge undue surcharges. The flat airport fare would therefore represent a step forward in making the service more fair and predictable, for both tourists and residents.
Miguel Ojeda, president of Elite Taxi in Santa Cruz, adds that a single contact number for taxis across the islands could complete the project, making the service not only uniform in cost but also easily accessible.
Logistical and orographic challenges
Despite the obvious advantages, the implementation of the flat taxi fare in the Canary Islands It faces some logistical challenges. The islands' diverse topography can significantly impact taxi operating costs.
Ojeda emphasizes that mountainous routes, such as the climbs to Mount Teide or La Esperanza in Tenerife, consume much more fuel and cause much higher vehicle wear and tear than flatter routes. Likewise, journeys between coastal tourist resorts, such as Morro Jable and Corralejo, have very different costs. For this reason, the regulations must be tailored to respect local specificities and ensure that no taxi driver is disadvantaged.
The Canary Islands Government's proposal, led by Director General of Transport María Fernández, stipulates that participation in the single tariff will remain voluntary for municipalities. This way, municipalities with specific needs will be able to maintain any tariff differences, while the majority will benefit from a standardized system that is clear and easily understandable for all.
A modernization in the Canary Islands that focuses on citizens
General Director Fernández explained that the main objective is “facilitate, standardize and provide security to those who take taxis, so that he knows how much the journey will cost.” This clarity could encourage many users who currently avoid taxis due to a lack of information to consider it as a practical alternative, often better than using a private car.
Bringing the proposal to the Mesa del Taxi represents “a first step” to create a clear reference table, with a defined project and budget, pending final approval. Fernández added that the government intends to modernize the entire sector, updating laws and regulations in line with European standards, to ensure a service that meets user expectations.
In addition to the single tariff, the Government is also promoting a pilot project for a flat airport fee In some islands, digital tools are used to find out the cost of the ride in advance, making the service more transparent and technologically advanced.
Shared services and flexibility for special events
Fernández highlighted the possibility of extending the use of taxis to joint performance areas, to allow vehicles from different municipalities to operate together during events or peak demand, such as World Cups, carnivals, or weekly markets. This approach would ensure greater flexibility, making better use of local resources and improving the end-user experience.
The Taxi Mesa includes representatives from the public, private, and consumer sectors, ensuring that all voices are heard and that decisions made are shared and balanced.
Towards greater transparency for citizens and tourists
The adoption of a single fare isn't just a technical change: it's a step toward modernizing the transport sector in the Canary Islands. Passengers will finally be able to know the cost of their journey before boarding, without having to worry about local surcharges or variations between municipalities.
Furthermore, fare harmonization facilitates the integration of technological tools, such as booking apps and automatic fare calculations. This makes the service more efficient and competitive, in line with the expectations of residents and visitors.
There flat taxi fare in the Canary Islands It therefore represents an opportunity to simplify daily life, promote equity between regions, and encourage the use of modern and reliable public transportation. Despite the challenges, the initiative is increasingly close to completion, paving the way for a more transparent and accessible service for all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposal to introduce a single taxi fare in the Canary Islands represents an important step towards the modernization and transparency of transport services in the archipelago. Although a date for its implementation has not yet been set, the Canary Islands Government is conducting consultations with municipalities and industry representatives to finalize the details. The adoption of a single fare, voluntary for municipalities, aims to simplify the current system, ensure clear costs for users, and standardize services across the islands, while taking into account local specificities. The legislative process and ongoing discussions indicate that, once approved, this measure could significantly improve the experience of taxi users, making it a more convenient and predictable option than private transportation.
