Taxi drivers unite to keep intruders “off their patch”

An exploratory meeting was held in Lluc in February this year about the mutual interests of taxi drivers in municipalities outside Palma. At the meeting, it was agreed that José Alama of Inca's taxi drivers association would become the new President.

Last week, Alama met with Biel Company, the regional Minister for Agriculture, Territory and the Environment in the offices of the Mayor of Inca Rafel Torres. Alama explained yesterday: “We let the Minister know what the objectives of our new association are, chiefly to stop outsiders stealing our business and to defend the interests of local taxi drivers.” Alama took the opportunity of talking with Company to let him know the uncertainty which is currently plaguing the taxi driver industry. Alama said after the meeting that: “We, the new association and its aims, have the complete support of Minister Company and by default, of the Balearic government.” Those municipalities signed up to the association are Inca, Felanitx, Llucmajor, Soller, Sa Pobla, Son Servera, Sant Llorenç, Andratx, Capdepera, Santanyi, Campos, Ses Salines, Alcudia, Pollensa, Muro, Fornalutx, Bunyola, Alaro, Campanet, Binissalem, Escorca and Llubi.

Alama said that although the equivalent of a Main Board of the Association had already been chosen including a Treasurer and a Secretary, all municipalities where taxi drivers have representation will be able to attend meetings and hear proposals.