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During the June 30th strike, thousands of users like him disconnected in protest against platform conditions and commission cuts. Credit: yurakrasil via Canva.com
In Portugal, not only did the price of a taxi trip triple, it also went up. As Uber and Bolt drivers were on strike from June 30 to July 1, passengers had limited options and paid significantly more for their rides. One ride from Almada to Lisbon airport, from €18 to nearly €60, not entirely due to demand but because the very people meant to provide the service just refuse to drive. The strike centered on commissions, controls, and drivers in Portugal’s TVDE-based system. Protesters said that platforms like Uber violate the law by taking commissions higher than the legal cap of 25%. Passengers feel the effects of drivers’ walkouts before the companies.
What was the actual cause of this strike? What caused the price increase in Portugal and why has this uncovered the pretensions within Europe’s gig economies? It would be useful to know the best way to travel to Portugal during the summer of 2025.
What is the cause of the strike
The strike on June 30 was not a response to rising fares, but rather a reaction against what drivers face: a growing disparity between the money that passengers pay and their share of the proceeds.
According to Portugal’s TVDE law, ride-hailing services such as Bolt or Uber are only allowed to keep 25% of the commission. Drivers claim the actual cut, which can sometimes be as high as 50%, is much higher.
- An example of a €28 ride can leave a driver with just €13 after platform fees and taxes, according to Stop Uber, the primary movement behind the strike.
- The strike itself was coordinated in Lisbon, Porto, and other cities where they switched off their apps during two high-demand periods: 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- As a result, there were fewer drivers and the pricing system kicked in. In Almada, a trip to the airport normally costs between €18 and nearly €60, according to multiple reports.
It was not the goal to cause inconvenience to passengers, but to demand that rules already in place be adhered to properly by many drivers. The strike was a call for accountability on the platform, government enforcement and a living income.
What can travelers expect?
They were unaware of the strike, as they received no notification. When a short trip cost twice or three times the usual amount, they realized that something was amiss. Other people would hop between platforms hoping to get a better deal, only for both of them to be surging at once.
It is important to note that while ride-hailing can be convenient, it is not immune from disruption. Prices can change without warning when there are strikes or shortages of drivers.
Travellers’ smart advice:
- Compare the fares Before confirming your booking, compare Uber, Bolt and traditional taxis.
- Travel outside peak strike windows (7–10 a.m., 5–8 p.m.) when possible.
- Public transport is a good option for airport transfers or longer trips — Lisbon and Porto offer metro links and shuttle buses that aren’t affected by TVDE actions.
- Check out local news Transport alerts are also issued if you plan to visit during industrial action.
What began as a domestic labour dispute quickly became a real-time stress test for platform-based transportation — and for the people who rely on it to navigate a city.
Portugal’s longstanding ride-hailing tensions
The ride-hailing service in Portugal has been criticized many times. Uber has been facing resistance since it entered the Portuguese market in 2014. It also faces legal battles regarding licensing and demands for stronger regulations.
- Portugal responded by introducing the TVDE law in 2018 — a framework designed to legalise platforms like Uber and Bolt while protecting drivers through licensing, fare transparency, and commission caps. However, enforcement has been patchy.
- Drivers are complaining that platforms have exceeded the 25% Discount limit, It is difficult for regulators to keep track of the exact deductions because they are relying upon a weak oversight system and fee structures.
- There’s an increasing group of people who are frustrated by the fact that drivers often work full-time without earning a full-time salary.
In France and Spain, the courts have decided that some platform employees should be treated like employees, not as contractors. In Germany, some cities have banned ride-hailing services.
AMT, Portugal’s transport regulator (Autoridade da Mobilidade e dos Transportes), is now being urged by civil advocacy groups to audit platform practices. They want the data to be made public, as well as a breakdown of commissions and service fees.
The road ahead
The June 30th strike was a public stress-test for the gig economic. The strike highlights the fragility in the ride-hailing system, particularly when drivers lose trust. When platforms go too far and regulators are silent, prices rise, tempers flare and the real costs are felt in the streets.
Travellers should understand that convenience cannot be guaranteed. A smooth interface on an application does not reflect what is happening behind the wheel, or what regulations are in place.
The real message that is sent when a driver turns off their car is one of power, and who decides how modern mobility will work.
