DECO – Portuguese Association for Consumer Defense questioned the legality of a protocol establishing fixed fares for taxis originating from Lisbon Airport, considering that the measure may penalize consumers and limit the option for the taximeter. The protocol was signed on September 11 by representative taxi associations, the Lisbon City Council, ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal and the Lisbon Tourism Association, establishing fixed prices of 16 euros for zone 1 and 19 euros for zone 2 during daytime hours on weekdays, rising to 20 and 23 euros during nighttime, weekends and holidays.
DECO lawyer Paulo Fonseca criticized the fact that the protocol does not ensure effective choice for consumers, since participating taxis will operate in the exclusive airport rank. According to the lawyer, the regulation from the Authority for Mobility and Transport that would allow the implementation of fixed fares is not currently in force, so the protocol creates conditions that are not beneficial for consumers. Fonseca also recalled that Lisbon airport is practically in the city center, unlike many other international airports, making the comparison with fares from other countries inappropriate.
DECO revealed that it was not consulted during the preparation of the protocol, criticizing the lack of consultation with consumer representatives. The association announced that it will request clarifications and evaluate the conditions under which the document may take effect, stating that it will do everything to prevent the protocol from being implemented under current conditions. The protocol, presented as a transitional regime until the approval of a specific municipal regulation, also provides for the generalization of the ATL voucher system, mandatory electronic payment methods and a accreditation system for access to the airport rank.
The measure comes following successive complaints from passengers, especially tourists, related to excessive charges and refusals of destinations. A PSP inspection carried out in August detected 67 violations in approximately 100 taxis inspected.
