According to Biel Moragues, the president of the self-employed drivers' union, transport ministry inspectors aren't there when these pirates appear and nor are Palma police officers. "The pirates have returned to the arrivals area and are operating with absolute impunity."
Some form of protest had been considered last weekend, but the appearance of inspectors quietened the tension. But Moragues says that measures such as a phone for reporting pirates have not been implemented. "There is no telephone or anything. It's not as if it's a matter of having to call the minister or the director general for transport."
The government, he argues, isn't fulfilling its promises, while the town hall only sends police at peak times. "The government issued a decree and only complied with it for a fortnight. Right now, there are three pirate companies that are openly operating." Moragues wants greater diligence from the government now that the airport is experiencing its busiest period of the season.
As to the type of action the taxi drivers might take, Moragues says that there is no intention for there to be the type of stoppage which occurred earlier in the season. He hasn't specified what the action might be but is clear that there needs to be an end to the pirate operators.
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Give it a couple of years more of anti-tourist rhetoric and the taxi drivers will be looking for jobs elsewhere.
Imagine if there were only one grocery store in Mallorca to buy your groceries, one pharmacy, one petrol station to buy your petrol, one electrical company, one plumbing company, one bar, one restaurant, one clothing store, only one of everything and you were forced to buy from them. It sounds ridiculous doesn't it? Now imagine there was only one taxi company in Mallorca? Sounds ridiculous doesn't it but that's what we have and when they feel threatened in anyway, they stamp their feet like spoilt two year olds who cannot have their toys and then threaten to withhold their services. If I were running things I would sit them all down and explain to them that no service equals no business license. I am so tired of the poor consumer being the pawn in these disputes. Monopolies only breed two things; greed and indifference and it is time to stop their monopolisation. Clearly that won't happen because the government caved in last time and upped the TIB bus fares and restricted certain routes to pacify these overgrown babies. I would rather walk than take a taxi and I suspect I will not walk alone!
Everytime I take a taxi from the airport, the driver tries to rip me off. Last time he claimed 'there's is a minimum fare into Palma of eur19,-When I refused to pay more than the meter (plus the airport surcharge), he became aggressive. Only when I suggested to call the police to look into the matter, he calmed down and accepted my payment.I'm a local and I know how it should be. Imagine the many tourists that get ripped off every day.It's high time to open up this market. Accept Uber to come in and make some healthy competition.
Sorry but I have had too many negative experiences with Palma Taxi drivers. I now take the bus. One euro with my 'Citizens Card', the driver is friendly and I just love those spontaneous 'sing alongs' with the tourists.
Last Friday caught the 1400hrs bus from Airport direct to Puerto Portals .25mins .euro5. My nephew same day missed last bus . Took a taxi 25mins euro41. enough said.
There are too many Airport Taxis. Many should go to Soller, where there is a shortage. The new Bus Services etc. ,mean the Taxi Drivers are in the Airport Queue for longer. Leading them to believe "Pirates " are taking trade. I would rather sleep in the Airport during the night. Rather than use an expensive Rip-Off Taxi Fare.
Why are the taxi drivers afraid of competition? Could it be that it exposes their exorbitant fares and hidden extras? For the consumer today price is king and they will always seek the best deal available.