Essen Taxi Drivers Take a Stand, Demand Fair Competition with Uber-like Services
Taxi drivers in Essen protest for established minimum fares to ensure fair competition. - Taxi drivers in Essen urge for regulated minimum fares amidst fierce competition
Looks like the taxi drivers of Essen are making some noise over in the city center! They've gathered together in a rousing display, with honking horns and a long line of cabs, calling for stricter regulations to level the playing field against their rental car competitors—like Uber and Bolt. Their rallying cry? "Stop Social Dumping - Minimum Prices Now!" According to the police, around 140 protesters and 110 taxis joined the rally on a busy street near the town hall, causing the road to be temporarily closed.
Dirk Schäfer, spokesman for the Taxi Essen association, is leading the charge. He argues that it's time for minimum prices to be established for rental cars as well, along with limiting their numbers. He mentions that taxi drivers have been hit hard by the increasing number of rental cars offering rides below Essen's city-set taxi tariffs - sometimes at up to 40 percent less.
Taxi drivers play by the rules
Schäfer stresses that Essen taxi drivers pay local taxes and are an integral part of public transport. They abide by numerous regulations, including the minimum wage law. In contrast, rental car drivers from international platforms receive fixed prices that aren't regulated, potentially leading to cheaper fares but also significantly higher rates during high-demand periods, such as during trade shows.
You've got competition all day long
Schäfer shares his concerns about local Uber drivers constantly being on the road during trade fair times, making it difficult for the Essen taxi industry to keep up with the cheap competition. In fact, of the 620 potential taxi licenses in the city, only about 420 taxis are currently operational in Essen.
Revenue has plummeted by 30 percent
Schäfer, a veteran taxi driver for over 60 years, has seen his income drop by around 30 percent in the last one to two years due to the economic pressure from rental car drivers. He points out that they are often working for 10 hours to earn less than the minimum wage - only €120.
The city's on board
A city spokesperson has confirmed that Essen officials are on board with the idea of a minimum tariff for rental cars. However, to ensure everything is above board, a study has been commissioned to examine the legal implications before any changes can be made. The authorities conduct regular spot checks, especially during major events, to ensure that drivers from other cities aren't undercutting the prices in Essen.
- Dirk Schäfer, the spokesman for the Taxi Essen association, advocates for a minimum price policy for rental cars, believing it essential to address the unfair competition with Uber-like services in the city.
- Schäfer highlights the importance of regulating the numbers of rental cars offering rides, as they have been driving down the prices below the city-set taxi tariffs, sometimes up to 40 percent less, causing hardship for taxi drivers.
- Schäfer notes that rental car drivers from international platforms often receive fixed prices without regulation, leading to cheaper fares during normal times but significantly higher rates during high-demand periods like trade shows, putting local taxis at a disadvantage.
- The spokeswoman for the city confirms that Essen officials support the idea of a minimum tariff for rental cars. However, the authorities will commission a study to investigate the legal implications before implementing any changes.
