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5 Nov, 2014

As apps proliferate, IRU seeks level playing field for taxi services

Brussels, IRU Press release, 5 November 2014 –  – As the new European Commission (EC) takes office, the European taxi industry appeals to the Commissioners in charge of transport, tourism, digital innovation and the internal market, to consider the central role of taxis in any mobility policy proposals, collective transport funding, research, and notably, urban and rural mobility planning.

Chairman of the International Road Transport Union Group ‘Taxis and Hire Cars with Driver’, Hubert Andela, said, “Taxis have been quick to implement smartphone apps in various European cities over recent years. Every day, a new taxi app is launched, contributing to seamless door-to-door mobility for citizens and the efficiency and competitiveness of the public mobility chain.”

As a first step, the European taxi industry invites the new EC to consider proposing an adapted regime for taxis and hire cars with driver to access the profession in Europe. This regime should take into account the specificities of European taxis’ operational and service environment, which have been proposed and advocated for a decade now.

“My appeal is not just for newly appointed Commissioners, but really for all decision-makers at EU, national and local levels. We need to ensure a level legislative playing field under the principle ‘same business, same rules’ for all mobility service providers operating on the taxi market including self-proclaimed ‘ride-sharing for-reward’ transport platforms” Mr Andela continued.

The IRU’s 6th International Taxi forum, taking place this Saturday 8 November within the largest global taxi exhibition Europäische Taximesse in Cologne, Germany, will thoroughly examine how fair competition, new technology and new actors on the taxi market combine to create new mobility patterns  and business models, as well as legislative challenges.

The Forum will also feature the unveiling of a new industry initiative to provide customers with a quality guarantee of safe, secure and legal taxi services, so stay tuned for more information.