Palma Council brings bici-taxis under regulation

TAXI drivers are rejoicing as Palma Council has committed to impose regulations on rickshaws known as ‘bici-taxis.’
Mobility councillor, Joan Ferrer, and Citizen Safety councillor, Angelica Pastor, announced the commitment after holding a meeting with taxi drivers, assuring that they would be prioritising the regulation of bici-taxis so that it could be put into force during the present summer season.
“Local Police will guarantee the compliance with the new law to avoid bici-taxis carrying out transport services illegally, both in the Playa de Palma area and at the airport,” said Ms Pastor.
The council has announced three main commitments, which aim to solve the situation that has caused great concern amongst taxi drivers who even held a demonstration on June 2 to protest about the issue.
A new regulation will be put forward limiting bici-taxi services to the seafront area and not around more central streets within Palma.
In addition, they will have to follow safety measures, and take out civil responsibility insurance or equivalent to guarantee the safety of customers.
Most importantly, bici-taxis will only be able to provide tourist services and not transport of passengers from one place to another, which means that the point of departure and arrival will be the same.