Alex Trelinski
A LACK of taxis in Torrevieja during the high season has prompted a call for temporary licenses to be issued for the busiest time of the year.
The Costa Blanca city only has 86 licenses to serve a population that triples to over 300,000 during July and August.
Tourists and residents are sometimes left waiting hours for a taxi- if they get one at all- leading to a boost for unlicensed pirate operators.
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Queues and delays are frequent at ‘pressure points’ such as Avenida Ramon Gallud, the Paseo de la Libertad, the Habaneras shopping centre, and La Mata.
One serious issue also concerns hold-ups for people who have to go to hospitals and health centres.
The Sueña Torrevieja political party has proposed offering 30 temporary licenses running between April 1 and September to ease the pressure.
Spokesman, Pablo Samper, said: “This measure would reduce the burden on the current taxi numbers and ensures everybody can enjoy an efficient and accessible service.”
Torrevieja council has suggested awarding 14 new full licenses over a three-year period, with six this year, and four more in both 2025 and 2026.
The plan would mean one taxi would be available per 1,000 residents during the off-peak season, but would still leave the network under serious stress during the summer.
