Cabildo issues warning after illegal taxi driver caught

The Cabildo has warned that it will crack down hard on illegal taxi services, following the arrest of a “pirate cab” on Monday.

Local police stopped the vehicle, and discovered that as well as the driver, it contained five passengers – one in the passenger seat and four in the back, one of whom was kneeling on the floor. The Cabildo is seeking a fine of over €4,000.

Cabildo President Oswaldo Betancort said “We will not allow illegal activity to threaten the safety of our residents and tourists, nor will we allow the livelihoods of families who comply with the law to be harmed.”

Transport Councillor Miguel Ángel Jiménez reminded residents that pirate taxis, which operate via WhatsApp groups or unofficial apps, “lack any technical or safety certifications. The state of the vehicle and the skills of the driver are completely unverified.”

“Passengers are vulnerable to fare fraud and lack the mandatory passenger insurance coverage that is provided by the official transportation sector,” he added.