A famous Uber driver has brought down the job of VTC driver in Madrid, with which many believe that one can make gold. Santi, known as “La Bala”, has been behind the wheel for more than three decades (buses, transfers and now Uber) and has been working on platforms since 2020. In a recent interview with content creator MOWLIHAWK (@mowlihawk), this driver declares that he has seen “everything,” but he has always had one thing clear: “I like fresh bills,” in reference to the fact that he has always tried to earn money despite all the obstacles that the company puts in front of him.
He is clear, in this job the demand is set by the clock, the fixed price avoids problems and the real margin depends on how many hours you work and your cost control. Between anecdotes, he leaves a central idea: it is a work of perseverance, method and dealing with the client. And Santi has not had it easy, since he has lived a complicated life, in which he has gone bankrupt several times (as he confirms at the beginning of the interview).
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Santi explains that the calendar is marked by peaks: when it rains, at Christmas or on Fridays and Saturdays “it doesn’t stop.” His best day, he says, came in 31 serves. Long trips also appear (talk about a Madrid – Rate of 600–800 euros, depending on time and demand), but the basis of the job is to rotate quickly: fixed price, visible route in the app and linking one service with another.
Although he sets himself “eight and a half hours” to avoid burning out, he recognizes that those looking for volume usually go for 12 hours a day. The operational advantage is being able to connect and disconnect; The challenge is to be where there is work without getting stuck in traffic jams or unproductive waits.
The VTC license today costs the same as a flat
Their biggest thorn is not having processed licenses on time. He assures that in 2013 he was able to request seven VTCs for 268 euros each and that today “one VTC can cost 250,000 euros.” This difference, he maintains, separates two leagues: those who have the license and can capture more margin, and those who drive for a company, with less risk but remuneration conditioned by objectives.
It also describes the multiplatform ecosystem (Uber, Cabify, Bolt) and a growing reality: taxis working with apps. For the user, he affirms, the fixed price provides predictability; For the driver, platform rules regulate operations and access to demand.
A good month you can earn between 6,000 and 7,000 euros if you “put in the hours”
“La Bala” distinguishes between billing and net income. He gives examples from his environment: a van in a strong month can bill up to 15,000 euros; a five-seater car, 6,000 – 7,000 euros if you “put in the hours”. In the company model, it cites incentive sections starting at €4,150 in turnover (e.g., 40% on the excess). And remember that the platform charges a 25% commission as standard, with variations depending on the service.
From that gross figure you must subtract fuel or recharging, cleaning, maintenance and tires, vehicle depreciation, insurance, fees and taxes. The real result depends on optimizing useful hours, avoiding downtime and taking care of the car so as not to lose days in the workshop.
Being Uber is much more than a driver
Beyond the wheel, Santi insists on the job: saying hello, a clean car and clear rules (no open drinks, no risky behavior), especially at night, when leisure outings abound. It defends cutting off discussions, denying what compromises security and “making the client get off better than they got on.” The closed price and the visible route help avoid misunderstandings; The empathy and time of each passenger closes the trip.