Lorraine Williamson
MALLORCA – Don’t feel like renting a car when you’re in Mallorca? Because of the prices or just because you don’t plan on moving around that often? Then know that from Thursday 9 June you can also opt for an Uber.
In the first phase of this launch, Uber offers its services as an alternative means of transport in the municipalities of Palma, Calvià, Andratx and Llucmajor. These are also the places where most tourists visit. If, after an extensive evaluation, this operation has the expected success, it will be expanded to other municipalities on the Balearic island.
Meanwhile, 40 high-end vehicles with the ‘Uber Mallorca’ logo will be driving around the island. Through the app of the American company, you can rent the services of Uber Comfort —with larger vehicles—, Uber Van —for groups of up to 6 people— and even traditional taxi services in Mallorca. Furthermore, in a few days, Uber Comfort Reserve will also be available, allowing reservations up to 90 days in advance.
Improving mobility on the island
“With this launch, we continue to focus on Spain and the taxi sector. We want to work closely with Mallorcan taxi drivers, the local tourism sector and government departments to improve mobility in Mallorca,” said Felipe Fernández Aramburu, Uber’s general manager for Spain and Portugal, in statements to Última Hora.
Positive for the island’s image
Javier Vic, President of the Palma Hotel Association (ASHPAMA), in turn, expressed his satisfaction with the arrival of Uber in Mallorca. Moreover, he considers it positive for the image of the island “to have a new mobility system” during the tourist season, from which much is expected this summer, with high numbers and high demand”.
Uber in Spain
Uber first launched in Spain in 2014 but was soon forced to suspend operations following a series of protests from taxi associations. In January 2019, Uber pulled out of Barcelona following the implementation of tough new restrictions by regional authorities, including a rule requiring rides arranged through mobile apps to be hired at least 15 minutes in advance. Uber found this requirement “totally incompatible with the immediacy of on-demand services” and stopped offering services in parts of Spain.
Then, after a 2-year absence from the city, Uber launched a new app in Barcelona in March 2021. This allows users to book a traditional licensed taxi instead of a typical Uber driver, known as Chauffeured Vehicles (“VTCs”).
Uber has expanded its services to allow users to order from more than 350 regular metered taxis. The company said it is seeking regulatory approval to offer flat-rate rides as well, reflecting Uber’s original model. The company’s current platform in Barcelona also offers car-sharing services and displays public transport information.
Where in Spain can you take an Uber?
- Alcoi
- Algeciras
- Alicante
- Alzira
- Andujar
- Antequera
- Aranda de Duero
- Arcos de la Frontera
- Avila
- Badajoz
- Barcelona
- Baza
- Bilbao
- Blanes
- Burgos
- Caceres
- Calafell
- Ceuta
- Chiva
- Ciudad Real
- Conil de la Frontera
- Cordova
- Cullera
- Don Benito
- Elche
- Figueras
- Fuerteventura
- Gandia
- Granada
- Guadalajara
- Huesca
- Ibiza
- Igualada
- Jerez
- La Palma
- Langreo
- Lanzarote
- Leon
- Linares
- Lorca
- Lucena
- Madrid
- Malaga
- Minorca Ciutadella
- Menorca Mahon
- Merida
- Mieres
- Miranda de Ebro
- Motril
- Murcia Suburbs
- Ontinyent
- Pamplona
- Peter
- Plasencia
- Playa d’Aro
- Ponferrada
- Point Genil
- Puerto de Sta Maria
- Puertollano
- Ronda
- Salamanca
- San Sebastián
- Santander
- Santiago de Compostela
- Seville
- Soria
- Talavera de la Reina
- Teruel
- Tortosa
- Tudela
- Ubeda
- Valdepenas
- Valencia
- Vic
- Vielha
- Vigo
- Vilafranca
- Villena
- Vinaros
- Victoria
- Yecla
And from today also in Mallorca.