Free Taxis in Valencia During Fallas — Drivers Launch a Surprise Protest

Taxi drivers in the Valencian Community have announced an unusual protest action during the Fallas celebrations: for certain hours, taxi rides will be completely free. The aim, they say, is to draw the authorities’ attention to problems with how the sector is regulated.

The action will take place on 14 and 18 March and will affect several cities across the region. On 14 March, taxis will be free from 13:00 to 15:00 in Valencia and Castellón; on 18 March, from 13:00 to 15:00 in Valencia and Alicante. During those hours, all taxi journeys will be free for passengers. The initiative also coincides with planned public transport stoppages, including Metrovalencia and the TRAM d’Alacant, which could significantly increase taxi demand.

Industry representatives say the move is intended to spotlight the current situation in the passenger transport market. Taxi drivers are calling on local authorities to change the rules governing VTC services, such as Uber.

According to professional associations, the existing framework effectively amounts to a “hidden liberalisation” of the sector, which they argue puts traditional taxis at an unfair disadvantage. They are demanding tighter oversight of VTC operators and a halt to issuing new licences unless impact studies are carried out on how they affect traffic.

Taxi drivers also said they have given the authorities two weeks to negotiate. If no compromise is reached within that time, they are preparing a new wave of protests across the Valencian Community.