In the recent history of taxis in Lanzarote, there are names that have left their mark, and one of the most prominent is that of Lito Guillén. He was not only a professional committed to his sector, but he also understood the taxi as an essential service. His vision transcended the simple transportation of passengers, as he saw the taxi as a pillar of mobility.
From the beginning, Lito fought tirelessly to improve the conditions of the sector and guarantee a dignified service. He was always clear that the taxi should be accessible and efficient, without distinctions between tourists and residents. For him, the true beneficiary of the system should be the citizen who depends on the taxi daily for their travel.
Lito Guillén was a great manager
One of the most notable aspects of his career was his commitment to achieving an island-wide service. He did not understand how a taxi could be empty after a trip if there were passengers waiting in another area. With the fleet control system, which he promoted, he saw a clear solution to optimize the service throughout the island. However, his fight for more efficient management unfortunately encountered some obstacles.
Lito was also a great manager. He rescued the San Marcial Taxi Cooperative from a situation close to ruin and turned it into a solid entity with almost 30 employees, a fully functioning service station, a mechanical workshop, a restaurant area, and a support infrastructure for taxi drivers. Under his leadership, the cooperative began to offer maintenance and technological equipment for taxis, as well as legal and administrative advice.
His vocation for the modernization of the sector was evident. He actively participated in debates and media, raising his voice when the institutions did not listen to the needs of the taxi industry. His courage to say what he thought and defend his ideals earned him great respect among his colleagues and in the society of Lanzarote.
He was much more than a taxi professional
Beyond his professional life, Lito was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, rigorous in his approaches, respectful in his presentation, and forceful in his demands. A gentleman who looked you in the eye and always conducted himself straightforwardly, accompanied by the virtue of exquisite manners.
Lito was a close and passionate person about his roots and hobbies, in which he found refuge. But his true passion was always the taxi and the improvement of its service. Despite his efforts, he did not always receive the recognition he deserved from public institutions. However, his legacy lives on in every taxi driver and every user who enjoys a service that he helped to dignify.
Lito was much more than a taxi professional; he was a public servant in the best sense of the word. His vision and dedication left an indelible mark on the sector, and his memory deserves to be honored not only with words, but with the commitment to continue building the transportation system he dreamed of. I am sure that sooner rather than later it will be a reality.