Santa Cruz de Tenerife Halts Taxi License Buybacks as Sector Stabilizes
Santa Cruz de Tenerife has ended its taxi fleet-reduction policy, opting instead to stabilize the current 674-vehicle service while focusing on modernization and infrastructure improvements.
The taxi industry in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is entering a period of stability, marking a shift away from the fleet-reduction strategy of recent years. Following a technical analysis by Assap Consultores, the City Council has confirmed that the current fleet of 674 vehicles is sufficient to meet the capital’s mobility needs, and has therefore decided to stop buying back taxi licenses.
This change follows a period of economic recovery, as the city moves past the inflationary pressures and pandemic-related challenges that prompted the license-withdrawal policy between 2022 and 2024. That previous plan, which offered 37,000 euros per license to reduce the fleet from 733 vehicles, has now been scrapped. Service has further normalized following the court-ordered removal of operational restrictions, such as mandatory shift systems and rest schedules, which had been challenged by the La Gremial association.
The study highlights that there are approximately 708,700 daily trips in the city on weekdays. While demand is steady, public transport remains the preferred choice for most residents, with taxis primarily used for leisure or urgent travel. In this environment, the City Council remains opposed to new transport models like tuk-tuks, and the Local Police are currently monitoring their presence on public roads.
Looking ahead, the city is focusing on modernizing the service. Gladis de León, head of the department, confirmed that a new mobile booking app is currently being audited and is expected to launch within eight months. The council also plans to improve infrastructure by adding new taxi stands at locations such as the Hotel Taburiente, Ofra, and Avenida de Venezuela, while also improving accessibility at the Hospital Universitario de la Candelaria.
To support the sector this year, the council has allocated 45,000 euros in grants. These funds are intended to help drivers install security systems and adapt vehicles for passengers with reduced mobility. These initiatives will be supported by a future review of municipal regulations and closer coordination with neighboring municipalities to ensure a consistent quality of service across the metropolitan area.