Government presented to taxi drivers modernization measures with financial assistance of up to 22 million euros, but they left the frustrated and concerned about meeting
the theme – at least in the minds of representatives of the taxi drivers who yesterday were received by the Minister of Environment, João Pedro Matos Fernandes – was only one: Uber. What in fact resulted from the meeting turned out to be the presentation of a package of measures to “modernize” the industry with state incentives that can go from 17 to 22 million euros, but where is opened for the first time, a door to legalization of activity of the company in Portugal.
at issue is the point 10 of the government’s proposal, which proposes the “beginning of the process of bilateral talks with a view to harmonization of regulation and market access taxi related sectors, ensuring the protection of the public interest. “
For Carlos Ramos, the Portuguese taxi Federation, the message was clear protection. “There was a decision taken by the Minister [in relation to the sector's requirements to be suspended activity Uber] The answer we were given was:.” Take there 22 million, shut up, sit here with us in the future and we will find a way to move the regulations to fit the Uber in the future, “he accused.
Less categorical, Florencio de Almeida, the National Association of Road carriers for Passenger Cars (ANTRAL) did not fail to take frustration with the outcome of the meeting. “the support they want to give the sector can not be a bargaining chip. We will not accept as a bargaining chip. The Uber is that it is the problem that is on the table, “he warned, also confessing little confidence in the materialization of the government’s proposals.” Never even invested a cent in this sector. Not now that will appear 17 million to remain silent and we stay calminhos. “
On behalf of the ministry, the assistant secretary of and Environment State, José Mendes, rejected the idea of” exchange of currency ” . in relation to paragraph 10, although arguing that it “does not point to the entrance or to the exit [the business of taxis] of any particular platform,” clearly left the door open to the integration of Uber in this reform: “There other platforms and we’ll have to find together a way to ensure that at the end of the day to safeguard what interests the public interest, the protection of the rights of users. “
Moreover, admitted also that Uber can be called to a meeting. “we in principle do not exclude anyone,” he said, adding that the ministry is “still considering” the scheduling of a meeting but “certainly” be heard “all these operators” .
However, the minister promised to taxi drivers strengthen guidance to entities that protection to be fulfilled the decision of a court of first instance, 2015, which sees no legal basis for the current activity Uber. A measure recorded by the representatives of taxi drivers, however, expected political decisions and not just the recommendation that it be “fulfilled” the court order. “We were with the notion that Uber for the government is a tidy affair,” summed up Carlos Ramos.
Conduct, languages and hybrid
Proposals government, it should be noted, include several possible news. Starting with an incentive for fleet renewal, with a bet on hybrid or electric cars, with at least 14 million guaranteed euros.
The government also wants to promote “training activities for drivers,” namely ” the level of eco-driving, language courses and conduct and use of advanced technologies. ” Measures which, according to the Secretary of State, may improve the image of the sector, which “has been the subject of complaints for many years.”
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