By Euro Weekly News Media • Published: 17 Mar 2014 • 12:50
Airport taxi drivers staged a 24-hour strike
Airport taxi drivers staged a 24-hour strike, protesting about the continuing presence of out-of-town drivers.
After 14 months of talks with different administrations they are still seeking solutions, said a spokesman for Elche’s Asociacion de Auto-Taxis.
Only taxis from Elche are licensed to ply for trade at the airport, although drivers from other municipalities may pick up clients if booked beforehand.
Many bringing passengers from other municipalities should return empty but still pick up fares at the airport, the Elche drivers claimed.
They want a barrier installed at the taxi rank entrance, inspectors, a police presence and out-of-towners limited to five airport runs a month. They have also asked to be allowed to pick up airport passengers from other municipalities.
A meeting with the General Transport Directorate has been arranged for this coming Monday (March 24) but the cabbies could strike again if their demands are not met.
The regional government is currently studying the Elche drivers’ requests, sources said.
Share this story
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews
When will Madrid realize that the lack of a rail connection with Altet reduces the volume of tourists to the region, particularly the area south of Alicante.
Anyone arriving at that airport faces intending to travel to Torrevieja or Orihuela will pay a taxi fare which is more expensive than a return air ticket!!
With only a moderate infrastructural investment, probably qualifying for EU support, it would be possible to construct an airport rail station near the N-338/ N-344 interchange, upgrade the existing narrow-gauge rail line, and purchase automated Shuttle Rail stock like that employed in JFK and many other airports.
This investment would provide reasonably-priced transport between the Airport, Alicante, Murcia and Orihuela. It could also connect with Torrevieja, by reactivating the old salt railway line between Torrevieja and Albatera.
This simple and cost effective investment would re-open the whole Vega Baja region to mass tourism based around an environmentally sound project.
The only one to lose out would be the Protection Racket run by Elche cabs.
Comments are closed.
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.