The regional government will extend the suspension of new TVDE licences in Madeira. The freeze will stay in place until new regional rules for the sector are approved, DNOTICIAS reported on 4 November.
TVDE is the Portuguese name for paid passenger transport in unmarked private cars, the sector in which ride-hailing apps operate.
The promise came from Pedro Rodrigues, the regional secretary for Equipment and Infrastructure. The secretary spoke on Wednesday morning before a meeting with transport sector representatives at Campo da Barca.
| Figure | |
|---|---|
| Licensed TVDE vehicles before the growth | about 40 to 60 |
| Licensed TVDE vehicles now | about 800 |
| Freeze on new licences first ordered | September 2025 |
| National law letting regions regulate TVDE | in force since September 2026 |
| Current freeze runs until | 13 November |
| Possible length of the next extension | 3 or 6 months |
Freeze Ending on 13 November Could Run Three or Six Months Longer
The current suspension is in force until 13 November. Rodrigues has not yet set the length of the extension, but said it could be three or six months.
The decision is being assessed together with the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT). The aim is to stop new operators from entering the sector until the rules for joining and staying in it are defined.
Third Extension Since the Freeze Began in September 2025
This will be the third extension of the freeze on new TVDE licences in Madeira. The measure was first ordered in September 2025 and has been extended again and again by the regional government.
During that period, the fleet of licensed vehicles grew to about 800.
Study Prepares a Regional Law Under a September 2026 National Law
The meeting at Campo da Barca presented the conclusions of a study on TVDE and taxis. It looked at their impact on mobility and on the organisation of transport in Madeira.
The study was commissioned by IMT-RAM, Madeira's own mobility and transport institute, after the licence freeze was decided about a year ago. It is the technical basis for a regional legislative decree.
That law should set licensing criteria suited to an island region. It will also take into account the national law that came into force last September, which allows the autonomous regions to regulate the sector.
TVDE Fleet Grew From About 40-60 Cars to Around 800
According to Rodrigues, the study confirms the need to control the growth of the sector. The fleet has grown from about 40 to 60 vehicles to about 800. That puts TVDE cars almost level with the total number of taxis in Madeira.
"There has been, especially in the last 2 years, a large increase in the supply of this service."
Pedro Rodrigues, Regional Secretary for Equipment and Infrastructure
In the secretary's view, this growth has not been matched by a similar rise in demand.
Empty TVDE Cars Add to Traffic in Central Funchal
One consequence identified is more cars without passengers on the road. This affects the flow of traffic, especially in the city centre of Funchal.
Rodrigues said many TVDE cars are driving around "empty", taking up public roads without providing a service. The secretary said this needs to be monitored and corrected.
New Rules Could Limit Cars by Location and Season Across Madeira
The new regulations should allow the region to limit new vehicles according to the real needs of the market. Location, the time of year and how demand is spread across the region will be some of the factors used to set the criteria.
Existing Licences Stay as Two Decrees Target Only New Applications
Asked whether the number of cars now working could be cut, Rodrigues ruled this out. The new rules will apply to future licence applications.
"With regard to what is currently licensed, there will obviously be no limitation at all."
Pedro Rodrigues, Regional Secretary for Equipment and Infrastructure
Rodrigues also did not rule out criteria linked to services between municipalities, but said those decisions still need to be considered.
The study gives the basis for the political choices. These will then be put into practice through a regional legislative decree and a regional regulatory decree.
Times of Madeira has reported on the regional government's call for the national TVDE law to change. It also covered the Madeira TVDE association's advertising deal with Uber.
Source: dnoticias.pt
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