A protest planned by TáxisRAM for Friday, January 9, has been called off after the Regional Government of Madeira agreed to open formal negotiations with the taxi sector, including the creation of a working group to review regulations governing operations at the Port of Funchal, according to a statement from the Regional Secretariat for the Economy.

The decision followed a meeting held Tuesday between representatives of the TáxisRAM Association and the Regional Secretary for the Economy, José Manuel Rodrigues, who oversees the Region’s port authorities.

The talks are part of an ongoing dialogue that has unfolded over recent months, aimed at addressing what taxi operators describe as operational constraints affecting their activity in the port area, particularly at Funchal’s main harbor.

Speaking after the meeting, TáxisRAM president Paulo Pereira said the discussions allowed the association to reiterate concerns previously raised, but pointed to the commitment to establish a working group as the most significant development. The group will be tasked with analyzing and debating the drafting of a new regulatory framework for the Port of Funchal.

According to Pereira, the move signals a willingness by authorities to adopt a more structured approach and to better align port regulations with the demands of taxi drivers operating in the area.

While acknowledging that some of the issues identified in earlier meetings have seen partial improvement, Pereira said several key problems remain unresolved and continue to generate dissatisfaction within the sector. Nevertheless, the formal opening of negotiations led the association to suspend Friday’s planned demonstration, opting instead to await tangible results from the talks.

During the meeting, TáxisRAM again emphasized what it considers essential conditions for the profession, including the need for clear, transparent rules and equal treatment for all operators working in the port zone.

The next phase of the process will involve coordination between the Regional Secretary for the Economy and the president of the Madeira Ports Authority (APRAM), Paula Cabaço, as officials assess potential solutions.

TáxisRAM said it will continue to closely monitor developments and has not ruled out future protest actions. The association noted that a demonstration is tentatively scheduled for January 16 if no significant progress is made. While remaining open to dialogue, TáxisRAM stressed that its priority is to reach agreements that normalize operations at the Port of Funchal and ensure fair and dignified working conditions for taxi drivers across the Region.

From Funchal Notícias

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