Taxi demonstration traversing Düsseldorf's streets
In the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf, the CEO of Taxi Düsseldorf, Dennis Klusmeier, has called for equal prices for all passenger transport providers to ensure fair competition. This demand comes as the city considers the introduction of minimum fares for rental cars.
Klusmeier emphasized the need for action to safeguard the survival of taxis in Düsseldorf, stating that cities and municipalities have had the opportunity to ensure fair competition in passenger transport for around four years. He is supported by Michael Oppermann, CEO of the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars, who believes that introducing minimum prices is in the interest of the population.
A survey conducted by the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars revealed that over 1,000 people are in favour of introducing minimum prices for ride services like Uber. Surprisingly, only 15 percent of those surveyed rejected minimum prices for platform-based rental cars.
In a move that could level the playing field, passengers can now agree on a fixed price before starting their journey, calculated based on the length of the journey and current traffic situation. A reduction or increase in the fare of up to 20 percent is possible depending on demand.
The city of Düsseldorf has already adjusted the taxi ordinance and increased the fares. Currently, taxi drivers in Düsseldorf pay a basic price of 5 euros (previously 4.50) and 2.70 euros per kilometer (previously 2.20).
This push for fair competition in Düsseldorf is part of a larger trend across Germany, where cities are debating the introduction of minimum fares for ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt. While some cities like Heidelberg have already enforced minimum tariffs for ride-hailing services, others, like Leipzig, are advocating to reinstate such rules. Munich is on the verge of introducing minimum fares for rideshare traffic to protect the taxi industry.
However, traditional taxis in Germany operate under government-regulated fare structures, including set minimum and maximum rates that take into account waiting times, distance, and time of day, entrenched in local and federal transport laws.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the issue of fair competition in the passenger transport sector is a complex one, balancing consumer affordability, driver wages, and the protection of the traditional taxi industry.
References:
[1] "City of Düsseldorf Adjusts Taxi Ordinance, Increases Fares"
[2] "Munich to Introduce Minimum Fares for Rideshare Traffic"
[3] "Regulation of Fare Levels for Ride-hailing Services in Hong Kong"
- Michael Oppermann, CEO of the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars, supports Dennis Klusmeier, the CEO of Taxi Düsseldorf, in advocating for equal prices across all passenger transport providers, including the finance, transportation, and sports sectors, believing this change would be in the best interest of the population.
- The debate over fair competition in the passenger transport sector extends beyond Düsseldorf, with cities like Munich proposing minimum fares for rideshare services to protect the traditional taxi industry, thereby showing a potential merge of finance, business, and politics in this issue.
- The sports industry may potentially be impacted by the outcome of these decisions, as fair competition in transportation services could lead to improved accessibility for fans, spectators, and athletes traveling for events, thus favoring a growth in business opportunities for all stakeholders.
