Madrid Taxi Protest Gridlocks City Center

Madrid Taxi Protest Causes Traffic Chaos and EMT Disruptions Taxi drivers in Madrid staged a three-hour protest on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, causing significant traffic disruptions and forcing the city's EMT bus service to alter routes on 24 lines. The demonstration, which began at 10 AM and concluded at 1 PM, was a response to the recent approval of 8,500 new licenses for VTC vehicles (similar to Uber and Lyft). The protest centered around the Paseo de la Castellana, a major thoroughfare, causing significant congestion. One taxi driver, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, "This is unacceptable! They're flooding the market, and we're struggling to make a living." The demonstration's impact extended beyond the immediate area, with traffic delays reported across much of central Madrid. The EMT confirmed that 24 bus lines experienced route modifications due to the protest, causing inconvenience for commuters. While the protest was largely peaceful, the sheer number of taxis involved created a significant traffic bottleneck. The city's transportation authorities are currently reviewing the situation and considering potential solutions to address the concerns of taxi drivers and maintain smooth traffic flow.