The Madeira regional government decided to extend the suspension on issuing TVDE operator licences and endorsements for another four months, following a weekly council meeting led by Miguel Albuquerque. The pause affects those seeking to start or expand app‑based private hire services on the island and keeps the current operators' status quo in place. Drivers and companies planning to operate in Madeira should monitor the regional government's decisions for changes to licensing timelines.
Madeira pauses TVDE licences for four more months
Thursday, 5 March 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
TVDE refers to app‑based private‑hire ride services; the acronym stands for Transporte em Veículos Descaracterizados a partir de Plataforma Eletrónica and covers drivers working for platforms like Uber and Bolt. Drivers are using temporary app shutdowns as a protest over what they say is inadequate regulation and working conditions, so commuters who rely on ride‑hailing during peak hours should expect possible service disruptions next week.
