Taxi Services as Part of Public Transit Systems - Union Suggests Innovative Models - Taxi Services in Traditional Commute - Suggested Innovative Methods by Association
Thuringia's transport industry association advocates for a significant expansion of taxis in subsidized public transportation, particularly in rural and urban areas with mobility challenges. Martin Kammer, CEO of the state association Thuringia, proposes the use of on-demand, shared, or route taxis to improve mobility offerings.
According to Kammer, over 800 taxis and approximately 1,200 hire cars are currently on Thuringia's roads. The Association of Central German Bus Companies expresses concerns about the proposals due to high public costs for relatively few passengers.
Nonetheless, Kammer maintains a stable economic situation for the taxi industry, thanks to contract trips for patient transport and students with disabilities. At present, only a few taxi models are employed in Thuringia's public transportation. Cities like Jena and the district of Greiz have implemented such services.
The association encourages a review of Thuringia's regular service network from both a cost and service perspective. This reassessment should determine where buses and taxis are most efficiently deployed. Taxis could potentially serve underutilized bus routes, transport passengers to transportation hubs, or even cater to areas with fewer departure options.
The proposal could improve rural mobility, offering affordable transportation alternatives where public transit is sparse, and reduce traffic congestion and pollution in urban areas. Such developments would benefit over 20,000 employees in Thuringia's transport industry.
Tilman Wagenknecht, CEO of the Association of Central German Bus Companies, acknowledges the potential for taxis to be included in revised public transportation plans in specific regions. He emphasizes the importance of considering the transportation costs per passenger for long-term public funding viability.
Currently, there are pre-existing models for on-demand transportation services, utilizing on-call buses and call-a-ride taxis in certain regions. Approximately 100 bus companies operate in regular service in Thuringia.
Integrating innovative taxi models into public transportation systems could enhance both rural and urban mobility in Thuringia, addressing environmental and social challenges while promoting economic sustainability. Potential benefits include increased accessibility, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental benefits, particularly for rural communities and urban centers.
- The transportation proposal in Thuringia's community policy aims to incorporate innovative taxi models into public transportation systems, catering to undeserved bus routes, transportation hubs, and areas with limited departure options, potentially reducing traffic congestion and pollution.
- Finance and industry sectors should consider the long-term public funding viability of the proposed taxi integration into revised public transportation plans, taking into account the transportation costs per passenger, as well as the economic benefits for over 20,000 employees in Thuringia's transport industry and vocational training opportunities this might offer.
