UK tourists warned Spain is 'running out' in major blow for holidays

Brits staying in the European Union for stays in Spain have been warned over a dearth of bus drivers, as Majorca - one of the most popular destinations for a holiday - lacks them.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


UK tourists have been warned Spain is "running out" in a major blow to holidaymakers. Brits staying in the European Union for stays in Spain have been warned over a dearth of bus drivers, as Majorca - one of the most popular destinations for a holiday - lacks them.

Rafel Roig, president of the Balearic Transport Federation, says that the transport sector will have "serious problems" if measures are not taken to address a shortage of drivers. As things currently stand, he estimates that another 200 drivers are needed in order to provide good service.

In coming years this situation will be exacerbated by the number of drivers coming up to retirement age. Bus and coach drivers. need a D driving licence which the news website reports "isn't very attractive because of the cost" at 4,000 euros.

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"This discourages many people from joining the sector as they have to make a significant financial outlay," Roig said. Some transport operators will advance payment for the licence and deduct this over time from pay.

The Balearic Government is meanwhile considering giving some aid to finance licences. Roig explains that the federation has asked the EU for a B licence (the one for cars) plus a safety course to suffice for buses with fewer than 16 seats.

There has been no response to this request as yet. In reply to the warning, a reader fumed: "The basic problem is that the bus service is privatized, in other words supplied by independent companies. The local government needs to get them to agree to train drivers together, free of charge subsidized by the government, and to forget about the ridiculous theoretical exams they need to pass before getting their hands on a steering wheel."

A second typed: "If they’re struggling to hire drivers, this implies they are paying below market. Pay the drivers more. Maybe this means raising fares, cutting costs elsewhere, or a combination… a normal business would quickly figure this out"