The bill received votes in favour from IL, PS and PAN and abstentions from PSD, Chega, CDS-PP, PPM and BE, during the vote that took place in the plenary session of the Azorean parliament, in Horta.

In the draft resolution, IL proposes that the “change of colour only applies to new vehicles to be used for taxi transport activities”, with the remaining operators having a period of ten years to change the colour.

“By 31 December 2034, all vehicles used for taxi transport activities must comply with all the provisions in terms of colour change”, reads the initiative.

During the debate, liberal Nuno Barata assured that “65% of taxi professionals showed the same desire as IL” regarding the change of colour.

The party explained that the initiative sought to respond to “a long-standing request from taxi drivers in the region” regarding changes to the characteristics of taxi vehicles, particularly their colour, to “differentiate them from other motor vehicles, as is the case in Portugal”.