Government wants flat taxi rate across the Canaries to stop confusion for passengers
The Canary Islands government is considering the introduction of a standard taxi fare across all the islands, with the aim of making services simpler and more transparent for both residents and visitors.
The proposal, brought before the regional Taxi Board on Monday, was put forward by María Fernández, the Director General of Transport for the Canary Islands. The plan involves setting a flat taxi fare with no additional charges, which currently vary widely from one municipality and one island to another.
Fernández emphasised that this would not strip local councils of their authority; those with specific needs could still maintain their own fare structures if they prefer. However, she noted that many councils struggle to regularly update their taxi tariffs due to limited staff and resources, resulting in inconsistencies that can confuse both locals and tourists.
Under the plan, local councils would have the option to join the unified regional system. Fernández highlighted that the primary goal is to streamline the passenger experience and lay the groundwork for digital tools that would allow users to calculate journey costs in advance, no matter where they are in the archipelago. This could also encourage more people to use taxis, particularly those who currently avoid them due to uncertainty over pricing.
“This is about making taxi travel easier, more consistent, more competitive, and more predictable,” Fernández explained. “Once prices are clearer, many locals might find taxis a more convenient alternative to using their own car.”
Presenting the plan at yesterday’s meeting was described as “a first step” towards drafting a pricing framework, with hopes of having a working proposal by the end of the year and official approval possible in 2026.
Fernández also underlined the need to modernise the taxi sector overall, by updating regulations to align with European standards and better meet the needs of today’s passengers.
In addition, the government is pushing for a pilot project to test flat rates for airport journeys on selected islands. This initiative will be discussed with taxi associations, island councils, and the Canary Islands Federation of Municipalities (FECAM). Another element of the proposal seeks to allow taxis to operate in shared service zones, not only at ports and airports but also at major events such as festivals, sporting fixtures, and busy weekend markets.
This would enable taxis from different municipalities to work together more effectively during high-demand periods. As Fernández pointed out, the regional Taxi Board brings together representatives from government, private taxi operators, and consumer organisations, all of whom will play a role in shaping the future of taxi services in the Canary Islands.
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