Santa Cruz Tuk-Tuks Launch Illegally, Taxis Threaten Strike

Toke Tuk, a new company, has officially launched its business in Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife. They plan to offer private tuk-tuk tours around the city, promoting a sustainable tourism model.

As reported by DIARIO DE AVISOS last September, these three-wheeled vehicles are now in Santa Cruz. Toke Tuk announced yesterday that their tours have begun. However, the city council stated yesterday that it has not approved this activity, calling it "illegal."

Toke Tuk, however, insists that it will operate "tourist experiences on set routes, available only by booking in advance." They say their vehicles will stay in private areas and won't take up public spaces. The company also claims it has "strictly followed all rules and obtained the necessary permits for stops," and submitted a technical certificate on the 20th to announce its start.

This news has angered the local taxi industry. Zebenzui Pérez, president of La Gremial (the taxi association), announced yesterday that they will protest starting in December if the city council allows this "uncontrolled intrusion" which they believe will harm Santa Cruz's public transport.

The taxi association believes Toke Tuk is challenging the city council, saying they will operate regardless of whether they get permission. They claim the company is using a legal loophole, knowing that once they start, they can operate without proper oversight, similar to what's happening in Adeje or Las Palmas. They argue that any fines would be minor compared to their earnings. Their goal, according to the taxi group, is "to enter and grow, regardless of regulations."

Pérez added that these tuk-tuks will "take tourists away from the city's port," which he called a "vital area poorly managed by Nogal Studio, a company that receives public money." He warned that if the tuk-tuks start operating, Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez and councilors Evelyn Alonso (Mobility) and Carlos Tarife (Strategic Planning) will "have to explain themselves." He said the taxi sector has been reporting this issue for months, implying that officials would have "lied" to them if they allow it.

Pérez also stated, "They have left us vulnerable to new competitors like tourist buses and tuk-tuks. This is why we need to free up taxi services and allow them to be managed professionally more than ever." He stressed that "if this threat is not dealt with, we will not hesitate to go on strike during the Christmas season."

Without authorization

Regarding the situation, Carlos Tarife, the Councilor for Strategic Planning, confirmed that Toke Tuk "does not have permission from the City Council, and Santa Cruz will not grant it." He called it "an illegal activity if carried out." He also announced that various city departments would meet today to discuss the company's announcement, stressing again that it cannot operate without prior municipal approval.

Evelyn Alonso, the Councilor for Mobility, echoed this, explaining that Toke Tuk "has applied to offer a tourist activity, not passenger transport." Therefore, she said, her department is not responsible for granting this type of license, as they only issue licenses for taxis.

Toke Tuk, meanwhile, announced that its project will begin with 12 employees and aims to double its staff by 2026, anticipating growth in the tourism sector. The company also plans to donate some of its earnings to social causes, such as Amate.