The new taxi fare model in Portugal will come into force on June 19 and introduces changes to the calculation of trips, including increases on holidays and festive dates, in addition to widespread opposition from the main associations in the sector. The diploma comes within the scope of the legal regime for the transport of passengers by taxi and can imply increases of up to 9% in the first year of application.
According to the news agency, the now approved system changes the traditional fare structure, maintaining a lower initial fare, but simultaneously introducing combined charging for time and distance throughout the trip. The new model also provides for seasonal rates in tourist areas and price differences depending on vehicle capacity.
The same source says that on holidays and festive dates there is an “increased price associated with travel time”, which represents one of the most contested changes in the sector. The new regulation is the result of decree-law 101/2023 and has been valid for the entire national territory since November last year.
Operators have a deadline to adapt
According to Lusa, taxi operators will have a period of up to 70 days to adapt their taxi meters to the new system, with the limit set on August 28th. Implementation follows the publication of the regulation in the Official Gazette and its official entry into force.
The same legal framework establishes that the tariff structure now considers different variables in the final calculation of the trip, including seasonal and operational factors, which requires technical adjustments to the equipment used by the sector.
Dispute grows among associations
Associations representing the sector reacted with strong opposition to the new rules. Speaking to the same source, the president of ANTRAL, Florêncio de Almeida, stated: “this will kill the sector”, arguing that an urgent meeting will be requested with the Mobility and Transport Authority.
The federation considers the regulation to be harmful to passengers as well, pointing out that it could have negative impacts on the transport offer. Carlos Silva, from the Portuguese Taxi Federation, also told Lusa that the model “has divergences that are insurmountable”, stressing that the diploma “does not safeguard either the interest of the passenger or the interest of the taxi”.
Criticisms about the impact on the service and the framework
It is worth noting that the two organizations will meet to define joint measures, considering the regulation “unexpected and unacceptable” and accusing the process of being out of line with previous proposals presented to the regulatory authority.
Florêncio de Almeida also stated that the model could compromise the service on longer routes, by changing the way the return is calculated, arguing that the sector is being put under pressure. Carlos Silva criticized the technical wording of the diploma, considering it ill-conceived.
Authority foresees controlled increase
The Mobility and Transport Authority, cited by Lusa, clarified that the new model may involve tariff increases, but defined a maximum limit of 9% in the first year of application, in 2026. The same entity indicated that the impact of the measure will be monitored during the initial phase of implementation.
The regulation currently in force must still be formally monitored throughout its application, as the sector prepares technical adaptation and maintains public opposition to the new rules.
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