Funchal Police Accused of Turning Away Ride-Hailing Driver’s Complaint
The Associação Nacional Movimento TVDE (ANM-TVDE), which represents ride-hailing drivers in Portugal, expressed “deep concern” on Monday over two recent developments in Madeira. In a statement, the group said these incidents “seriously affect the mobility sector and undermine public trust in institutions.”
Police is Said to Refuse a Complaint by a Driver
One case involves an alleged refusal by the Public Security Police (PSP) in Funchal to accept a complaint. According to the statement, on Saturday, August 23, a ride-hailing driver working with Uber was verbally assaulted by a passenger. When she went to the PSP’s regional command to file a report, the officer on duty allegedly refused, saying it was “a waste of time since it was a complaint against an unknown person,” and advised her to “go home, rest, and cool her head.”
The association said this conduct “weakens the victim and goes against the duty of the security forces to receive and protect those who seek support.” It has called on the PSP’s Madeira command to clarify the situation and ensure that “any victim is received and protected in any station.”
ANM-TVDE demands that the Madeira Regional Command of the PSP clarify the facts and ensure that any victim is received and protected at any post, avoiding the repetition of similar situations.
TVDE Association, Diário de Notícias Madeira
Licensing Freeze in Madeira Leaves Trainees Unable to Work
The second issue raised by the association concerns delays in taxi licensing. The statement notes that “new taxi trainees are being prevented from completing their certification due to the suspension of the licensing process at IMT-Madeira,” the regional transport authority.
The ANM-TVDE said that the lack of capacity to process documents is creating “unacceptable delays” and harming families who rely on these drivers’ quick entry into the labor market.
Ride-Hailing Group Urges Taxi Associations to Focus on Solutions, Not Rivalries
In its note, the association also addressed taxi associations directly, urging them to focus on resolving internal challenges instead of competing with the ride-hailing sector.
It is essential that they defend newly trained drivers, press for the regularization of licenses, and follow the regulation of six- and eight-seat taxis, adjusting prices and rules to real needs. Only then can the true interests of taxi drivers be heard and respected
TVDE Association, Diário de Notícias Madeira
Association Calls on Institutions to Restore Trust and Protect Drivers
The ANM-TVDE stressed that both issues — the police response and the stalled licensing process — place additional strain on mobility in Madeira. The group is asking for accountability from institutions, arguing that effective regulation and support for drivers are necessary to maintain public trust.
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