Taxi fares are increasing from tomorrow, Tuesday, in Arrecife, as the local council introduces new rates to improve services and keep up with the rising costs of fuel, insurance, repairs and wages.
The changes follow years of requests from drivers who say the old prices no longer cover the growing expenses.
The Mayor of Arrecife, Yonathan de León, says the updated fares will help attract more drivers and ensure taxis are available at all hours of the day and night.
The fares are increasing as follows:
· The daytime starting fare will rise by almost 20% to €3.05, while the night-time rate will go up to €3.65.
· The cost per kilometre will increase to €0.80 during the day and €0.92 at night.
· Waiting time charges will also rise, with a maximum of €18.50 per hour for night and holiday shifts.
Extra charges will apply for some services, including €1.20 for trips to or from the Port of Los Mármoles, and €0.50 for bookings made through Radio Taxi.
Until now, Arrecife had some of the lowest taxi fares in Spain, but the low rates made it difficult to hire enough drivers to cover all three daily shifts, leaving gaps in the service, especially late at night.
To help meet demand, the council’s Mobility and Transport Department is preparing to hold exams so more people can become licensed taxi drivers. This is part of a bigger plan to improve public transport in the city, which also includes adding more buses to key routes.
