Catalan High Court Annuls One-Hour Advance Booking Rule for VTCs in Barcelona
Barcelona, January 13 – The High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) has annulled several provisions of the 2019 regulation that restricted the operations of ride-hailing vehicles (VTCs) in the Barcelona metropolitan area. One of the most contentious points, now overturned, was the requirement for a one-hour advance booking, according to a ruling advanced by La Vanguardia on Monday. The court found that this advance notice period was “excessive” and infringed upon the constitutional right to freedom of enterprise.
Background of the Legal Challenge
The regulation had been challenged by the Catalan Competition Authority (ACCO), which successfully sought the revocation of certain provisions. The court concluded that the one-hour advance booking period constituted a “practical impediment” to the exercise of VTC activity and a factor that could discourage users from utilizing the service.
The resolution references similar rulings by the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court, which had previously struck down comparable time limits (of 30 minutes) in other autonomous communities, such as the Balearic Islands and the Basque Country.
Other Aspects of the Regulation Upheld
However, the ruling upholds other aspects of the regulation, such as the prohibition on VTCs circulating on public roads in search of clients or picking up passengers who have not pre-booked the service. In this instance, the court determined that the regulation merely constitutes a “direct transposition” of state and regional legislation.
Impact on the VTC and Taxi Sectors
This decision is expected to have significant implications for the VTC sector in Barcelona, potentially leading to increased flexibility and competitiveness. Conversely, the taxi sector, which had advocated for stricter regulations on VTCs, may view this ruling as a setback.
The annulled provision was a cornerstone of the 2019 regulation, which aimed to balance the interests of traditional taxi services with the emergence of ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Cabify. The ACCO argued that the one-hour rule created an anti-competitive environment and limited consumer choice.
Future Outlook for Transportation in Barcelona
Industry experts suggest that this ruling could pave the way for further legal challenges to VTC regulations across Spain. The debate over the optimal regulatory framework for ride-hailing services continues to evolve, with courts often playing a crucial role in shaping the landscape of urban mobility.
The Barcelona City Council and the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB), which were instrumental in drafting the original regulation, have yet to issue an official statement regarding the TSJC’s decision. It remains to be seen whether they will appeal the ruling to a higher court or implement new measures to address the concerns raised by the ACCO.
For VTC operators, the removal of the one-hour advance booking requirement means they can now offer more spontaneous and on-demand services, aligning their operations more closely with those in other major European cities. This could lead to a surge in demand for VTC services as convenience for consumers increases.
The decision underscores the ongoing tension between traditional transport models and innovative digital platforms, highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks that foster fair competition while ensuring consumer protection and quality of service.
Source: https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2026-01-13/la-justicia-anula-la-obligacion-de-contratar-los-vtc-con-una-hora-de-antelacion-en-barcelona.html
