Taxis base fare set to drop to just €2

Passengers in Portugal could soon pay less for taxi journeys after plans were unveiled to cut the sector’s base fare from €3.25 to €2.

The change, originally due to take effect today, has been postponed for two months, giving authorities and industry representatives more time to discuss the new pricing model, says SIC Notícias.

Currently, taxi journeys start at €3.25 on weekdays and €3.90 on weekends and public holidays. Under the proposed rules, the initial fare would be standardised at €2.

The reform also aims to abolish several additional charges currently applied to passengers. Only the €0.80 telephone booking fee would remain.

The planned changes have prompted concern within the industry. The National Association of Road Transport Operators (ANTRAL) and the Portuguese Taxi Federation have requested an urgent meeting with Portugal’s Mobility and Transport Authority (AMT) to discuss new regulations and address wider challenges facing taxi drivers.

The fare overhaul forms part of broader efforts to modernise Portugal’s taxi sector amid increasing competition from ride-hailing platforms (TVDE) and changing passenger demand.

Source: SIC Notícias

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.