Uber threatens to pull back from Barcelona

Uber yesterday threatened to pull back from Barcelona after the regional government unveiled new regulations which will severely restrict ride-hailing services, as taxis upped the pressure with a restive strike.

The US giant, which has seen conflicts in other European countries as taxis complain of threats to their livelihoods, said that if the rules are approved as planned next week, “We will not be able to continue providing our UberX service in Barcelona”.

That is the cheapest Uber ride and commonly-used in Spain where UberOne, a more expensive premium service, also operates. The news comes as taxis strike in Madrid and Barcelona against tourism vehicles with chauffeur or VTCs such as Uber or Cabify.