0.98 taxis per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to 2.18 in Mallorca and 2.37 in Ibiza

Menorca´s proportion of taxis the lowest in the Balearics

Airport. Far bigger increase in passengers than in taxis

Whilst the population and the island´s capacity for tourists increased by 23% to 51% between the years 1993 and 2004, the number of taxis rose by 2%

c.m.w..Maó

According to a study conducted by the transport consultants CINESI, Menorca has less than one taxi per thousand of population, the lowest proportion in the Balearic Islands. The study, commissioned by the Island Council, shows that the Town Councils have shown little concern about increasing public transport over the years, despite the fact that factors, such as the current population, the capacity for tourists and the number of passengers using the airport, have shown constant increases over the last thirteen years.

The report, which contains relevant statistics and suggestions for improvements, has been distributed to all the Town Councils and to professional bodies in the sector.

After analysing the situation, the report concludes that there are a total of 100 licensed taxis on the island: 41 in Maó; 6 each in Es Castell and Sant Lluís; 7 in Alaior; 8 in Es Mercadal; 4 each in Ferreries and Es Migjorn; and 24 in Ciutadella. Only two of these are adapted for use by invalids.

Menorca has just 0.98 taxis per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to 2.18 in Mallorca and 2.37 in Ibiza. The study points out that the population of Ibiza is only some 30% greater than that of Menorca yet the island has over three times the number of taxis.

Balearic Government legislation sets out a mathematical formula for calculating the number of taxi licences permitted in each municipal district. Using this as a basis to determine the total number of taxis which could operate in Menorca, the figure would be 279 (including the current 100 operators), a considerable difference.

The use of a GPS system is suggested in the report, to solve the problem of taxi drivers refusing to answer calls for short-distance journeys, despite being in the vicinity of the booking.

The study also pinpoints the number of taxi bookings made by telephone which it concludes could be a clear indication of a shortage of vehicles as it shows a lack of taxis in the streets of the Menorcan towns or at their taxi ranks. The report claims that an abundant presence of taxis helps the sector to maintain a good overall image as well as generating confidence in the customer and calm and security in the sector.

The document states that the taxi service in Menorca needs a drastic change which has to be stimulated by a new organisation which would cover the whole island and include representation from the Island Council and all the Town Councils. This organisation should assume total responsibility for planning and running the taxi sector on the island. Two further recommendations are put forward in the report: firstly, that an additional 100 taxi licences be granted in a gradual form over the next few years; and, secondly, that taxis be allowed freedom for collecting and delivering fares in all the municipal districts, employing a common tariff and using a GPS system.