Autonomous regions and local governments are moving to cap VTC license allowances for environmental and urban mobility reasons. A royal decree recently approved by the Cabinet and presented by the First Vice-President and Minister for Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, Nadia Calviño, outlines these measures at a formal briefing. The decree also safeguards public transit by extending all existing discounts through year-end and elevates chauffeured car services to a public-interest designation for taxis, albeit with stricter quality standards. The Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda emphasized that the aim is to ensure reliable, non-discriminatory service coverage across the region while maintaining high standards for passenger experience.
Calviño noted that the government plans to align the legal framework for chauffeured touristic car rental services, known in European practice as VTCs, with the regulatory developments of the year. The approved text highlights four main pillars, including giving taxis and territorial entities clearer mandates over VTCs and, in turn, limiting the new powers claimed by taxi operators and VTC providers in response to requests from the taxi sector.
The future of the VTC market depends on the next government’s policy direction
Even as the Court of Justice of the European Union found the earlier enforcement approach unlawful, the 1 VTC per 30 taxis ratio used in Barcelona is cited as a possible model to curb private vehicle usage while addressing congestion and emissions. This approach points to a broader trend: authorities weighing environmental objectives alongside mobility needs may implement targeted limits on VTC operations in urban areas.
With that in mind, regulators face the challenge of balancing access for legitimate chauffeured services with environmental priorities. The decree hints that digital, flexible VTC options can contribute to reducing private car use while still supporting a clean, efficient urban transport network. In this light, acceptance of VTCs hinges on clear rules that protect consumers, encourage responsible operations, and align with broader climate goals.
Additionally, the rule introduces a requirement for VTC holders to either own or lease the vehicle for a minimum period of three months, signaling a move toward greater asset commitment. This measure accompanies ongoing efforts to lower CO2 emissions and to empower local authorities to exercise oversight over fleet composition and usage patterns.