Táxi Bolt Cruzeiros Is Set to Launch on Friday
In a surprising shift, TáxisRam, a company once skeptical and trying to get rid of electric ride services (TVDE), is now extending its partnership with Bolt to enhance tourism options for cruise ship passengers visiting Madeira. Starting in November, travelers arriving in Funchal can book guided excursions through the Bolt app.
Easy Tour Options for Visitors
To help tourists make the most of their limited time, tours to Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, or the famous Monte Toboggan Sledges will be offered. These routes were chosen to give travelers a taste of Madeira’s best attractions within just a few hours, with all tours provided exclusively by local taxi drivers.
Growing Fleet to Meet Demand
Currently, around 180 TáxisRam drivers are enrolled with Bolt, and the company expects this number to rise as the new services will likely gain popularity. With streamlined access to Madeira’s top spots, this partnership aims to enhance the travel experience for both tourists and local drivers.
How Will The Market Welcome Bolt?
Though it hasn’t sparked significant controversy yet, local tour operators are likely to be less enthusiastic about these news. Bolt will certainly be a strong competitor for tour guides and established tourism companies.
The integration of taxis into Bolt creates a scenario of unfair competition, as TVDE (Transport in Uncharacterized Vehicles) drivers are subject to different rules, often more flexible, in terms of fares and operations, which creates distortions in the market
Petition against TVDE in Madeira
Petition Against TVDE So Far Has 286 Signatures
The announcement from Bolt only comes days after an online petition that aims to remove taxis from the Bolt platform in Madeira has been launched. It cites unfair competition due to differing regulations for traditional taxi drivers and TVDE operators. The petition calls for regional authorities to impose stricter regulations to protect traditional taxi drivers and ensure market fairness. As of today, it has 286 signatures.
Source: RTP Madeira
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