Andorra Taxi Associations Complain Uber Breaches Transport Laws

Andorra's two main taxi associations have lodged a formal complaint with the Transport Department against Uber's local entity, UBS SL, alleging repeated legal breaches including illegal street cruising, unauthorized parking, and failure to secure prior written contracts.

The complaint, signed by association presidents Víctor Ambor and Armand Godoy and filed via the Procedures Department last Friday, includes photos evidencing the issues. The groups, which recently agreed with the government to merge into a single entity called Taxi Andorra within three months, demand a disciplinary probe and review of all Uber client contracts since launch.

Operators accuse Uber drivers of roaming public roads and plazas to solicit passengers on the spot, rather than formalizing bookings in advance as required by road transport law. They highlight parking in taxi ranks, petrol stations, and other strategic spots—conduct likened to covert hailing, a practice reserved for licensed taxis. "Vehicles must stay at their operational base and cannot wander, park, or position themselves to capture clients," the document states. Petrol stations, while allowable for pre-arranged pickups, cannot serve as habitual solicitation points.

The associations classify these as minor infractions under current rules but argue they foster unfair competition against the regulated taxi sector. They seek strict enforcement to restore order.

Some individual taxi drivers, however, question the move as premature, noting no prior complaints against other operators and urging focus on service improvements. Sources close to the associations defend it as a response to "too many bad practices in too short a time," with no fear of Uber but insistence on regulatory compliance. The groups plan a public appearance soon to make further announcements.

Uber and the Transport Department have not commented.