The Special Regime Zone for Taxis in Donostia (ZRE), implemented on December 30, 2024, is a project aimed at improving transportation in Donostia and its surrounding areas. Thanks to this initiative, 118 taxis from nearby municipalities can operate in the city during periods of high demand. This helps address issues like a lack of transportation and long waits during peak times. Additionally, it allows residents and visitors to enjoy greater availability of transportation, especially during major events or peak tourist seasons.
What is the Special Regime Zone for Taxis in Donostia (ZRE)?
The ZRE is a collaboration zone between Donostia and several municipalities in the Donostialdea area. The municipalities participating in this initiative are:
- Pasaia
- Errenteria
- Oiartzun
- Lezo
- Astigarraga
- Hernani
- Usurbil
- Andoain
- Lasarte-Oria
- Urnieta
Thanks to this agreement, taxis from these localities can provide services in Donostia on predefined dates and times, such as weekends, the eve of public holidays, and during periods of high demand like summer. Likewise, Donostia taxis can also operate in these municipalities under the same conditions. This collaboration between municipalities allows for a more efficient distribution of taxi services and helps reduce congestion in key areas of the city.
Objectives and Benefits of the Special Regime Zone for Taxis in Donostia
The creation of the Special Regime Zone for Taxis in Donostia pursues several key objectives:
- Balancing the supply and demand for taxis in the city: Especially during events, holidays, or periods of high tourist concentration. This helps prevent prolonged wait times for users.
- Optimizing the use of existing licenses: Ensuring more efficient use of available transportation resources.
- Improving the quality of taxi services: Both in Donostia and in neighboring municipalities, offering users a smoother and more comfortable experience.
- Encouraging inter-municipal collaboration: By coordinating efforts between different localities, a more integrated and functional transportation network is created.
This integrated approach also allows tourists to have a more positive experience when visiting Donostia and its surroundings, ensuring transportation is not an obstacle to exploring the region.
Impact of the ZRE on the Taxi Sector and Reactions
The implementation of the ZRE has generated mixed opinions within the taxi sector. While many professionals view the measure positively for allowing greater flexibility and potential income increases, others express concerns about the competition it might generate.
Azahara Domínguez, Deputy for Mobility, Tourism, and Land Planning, highlighted that “this initiative represents progress in managing mobility in Gipuzkoa, benefiting both sector professionals and citizens.” Olatz Yarza, Councilor for Sustainable Mobility and Transport in Donostia, added that “this agreement reflects a commitment to sustainability and collaboration between municipalities to offer quality public transportation.”
However, some local drivers argue that allowing taxis from other localities could reduce job opportunities for local drivers during busy days. This point of tension is expected to be resolved through continuous evaluations and regulatory adjustments.
Regulations and Legal Challenges for Urban Mobility
In 2019, the Basque Government approved a decree imposing restrictions on Vehicle Transport with Driver (VTC), such as requiring reservations 30 minutes in advance and prohibiting vehicle geolocation. However, in 2023, the Supreme Court confirmed the annulment of these articles, deeming them excessive and disproportionate.
Despite this judicial decision, platforms like Uber and Cabify remain limited in Donostia-San Sebastián. Local authorities have expressed their intention to study the entry of VTC services if problems with taxi services persist, which could open new possibilities.
Regulation also presents the challenge of balancing the need for innovation with protecting the interests of the traditional taxi sector, ensuring that both models can coexist fairly and efficiently.
Impact of the Special Regime Zone for Taxis in Donostia on Users
For citizens and tourists, the ZRE offers significant improvements in taxi availability during periods of high demand. This system ensures shorter wait times and easier access to transportation in strategic city points. Additionally, this measure contributes to decongesting traffic in critical areas by enabling a more efficient distribution of taxi services.
Users also appreciate the greater flexibility offered by the ZRE, as it allows taxis from neighboring municipalities to complement the existing supply in Donostia. This is particularly useful during cultural events, sports matches, or festivals where transportation demand often exceeds the available supply.
A Positive Measure, but with Challenges to Address
From a user’s perspective, the Special Regime Zone for Taxis in Donostia represents a necessary and beneficial step forward for mobility in Donostia-San Sebastián. However, it is also evident that this measure remains insufficient to meet the city’s real transportation needs.
In many cities, the integration of Vehicle Transport with Driver (VTC) services, such as Uber or Cabify, has proven to be an effective solution for significantly complementing the existing mobility supply. These services offer advantages such as the ability to book a vehicle through a mobile app, know the cost of the trip in advance, and have electronic payment options, enhancing user comfort and safety.
Currently, in Donostia-San Sebastián, the presence of VTC services is limited. Although companies like Uber have shown interest in operating in the city, their availability remains restricted. The Gipuzkoa Provincial Council has stated that if problems with taxi services persist, the entry of VTC services could be considered.
Integrating VTC services would not only diversify transportation options but also encourage competition, potentially leading to improvements in service quality and more competitive rates. Additionally, the coexistence of taxis and VTC services would give users the freedom to choose the option that best suits their needs at any given time.
Future Evaluation of the Special Regime Zone for Taxis in Donostia
The Gipuzkoa Provincial Council and the municipalities involved have announced that the functioning of the Special Regime Zone for Taxis in Donostia will be continuously monitored. User satisfaction, the impact on the sector, and the effectiveness of reducing mobility problems will be analyzed. These results will be essential for adjusting and improving the system in the future.
Additionally, surveys and user opinion studies are planned to better understand their needs and expectations. This will enable authorities to make more precise and effective adjustments to the system’s regulations and operations.
Conclusion on the ZRE in Donostia
The implementation of the Special Regime Zone for Taxis in Donostia represents a significant milestone in managing mobility in Donostia-San Sebastián and its surrounding areas. This measure not only improves taxi services but also strengthens inter-municipal collaboration, demonstrating that collective efforts can generate innovative and effective solutions for modern urban challenges.
However, it is essential that this measure adapts to the city’s changing needs. Integrating innovative services like VTCs and using advanced technologies will be key to ensuring that Donostia remains at the forefront of more efficient, sustainable, and modern mobility.
