The Lanzarote Cabildo has approved new regulations designed to improve taxi availability at some of the island's busiest transport hubs, helping to reduce waiting times for visitors to the island during periods of high demand.

They have formally adopted the new Sensitive Areas Regulation, which creates a legal framework allowing taxi services to be reinforced at key locations such as the island's airport and the Port of Arrecife, after more than 20 years without specific legislation covering these high-demand transport areas.

The decision follows studies of passenger numbers and mobility patterns showing that both locations regularly experience heavy demand for taxis.

According to the Cabildo, Lanzarote Airport handled more than 8.7 million passengers in 2024, while Arrecife Port welcomed over 600,000 travellers, highlighting the need for greater flexibility when demand peaks.

Taxis from other municipalities can help

Under the new rules, the Cabildo will now be able to authorise taxis from other municipalities to temporarily operate in designated Sensitive Areas during exceptional periods of high demand.

These measures will only be activated when supported by technical assessments and formal approval from the island authority.

The aim is to ensure passengers can access taxis more quickly without affecting the overall organisation of the service.

Technology and better coordination

The new regulation also introduces improved systems for organising and monitoring taxi operations, including the use of technology to manage services more efficiently.

All taxis operating under the scheme will continue to charge the official fares approved by the Canary Islands Government, ensuring passengers pay the standard regulated rates.

A new Monitoring Commission, made up of representatives from local authorities, the taxi industry and the public, will oversee how the system operates.

Long-awaited reform

Cabildo President Oswaldo Betancort described the regulation as an important step towards modernising transport across the island.

He said Lanzarote's rapid growth in visitor numbers and increased use of transport infrastructure made it essential to introduce a coordinated system capable of responding during busy periods.

The new framework is intended to improve the reliability of Lanzarote's public taxi service while ensuring it can better cope with the island's growing number of residents and tourists.