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BVTM struggles for the future of taxis: Expertise is coming - 15 Euro minimum wage likely as well
A wide spectrum – but the common thread is clear: the struggle for political framework conditions, economic viability, and digital connectivity.
Lobbying and Defensive Success
"The topic of taxis is not in the coalition agreement – that's a success," says Kollar.
What initially sounds contradictory becomes clear upon closer listening. Initially, the association had tried to incorporate a reassessment of taxis into the coalition agreement. In the end, they managed to at least prevent deregulation – such as the abolition of the return obligation. "A defensive success," says Kollar.
Uncertainty also remains regarding the minimum wage. The coalition agreement only states that 15 euros are "achievable." Kollar believes that entrepreneurs should prepare for this. The association is not fundamentally against higher wages – but then revenues and rates must also align.
Mobility in Rural Areas – Taxis as Part of Public Transport?
Another focus is the role of taxis in public transportation. The BVTM demands that taxis also benefit from the announced public transportation subsidies.
“Taxi service is part of public transportation,” emphasizes Kollar.
Municipalities should not only think of suburban trains and buses when it comes to subsidies.
Board member Roland Böhm sees the public transport taxi as a realistic perspective – especially for on-demand traffic. North Rhine-Westphalia has already created a model with a corresponding state parliament resolution. The BVTM provides its own informational flyer on this topic.
Medical Transportation: Bureaucracy that Slows Down
A tough issue with significant weight is medical transportation – according to Kollar, it accounts for up to a quarter of the revenue for many businesses. Bärbel von Teuffel criticizes the complicated billing rules: “Drivers often don’t know whether it is an inpatient or pre-inpatient trip.” An incorrect specification can lead to a complete refusal of reimbursement.
The association is calling for clear nationwide regulations. Compensation remains the responsibility of the states, but the formalities need to be uniform. Additionally, doctors should be better trained to issue prescriptions correctly.
Wolfgang Oertel, BVTM vice president, is involved in a working group with health insurance companies, ministry representatives, and data protection officers. The goal is to digitalize the area.
"The topic is dry, but crucial," says Oertel.
Platforms and Minimum Prices – The Fight for Fair Conditions
A central issue remains the handling of platforms like Uber or Freenow. Kollar demands minimum prices for rental cars – recently they were close in Munich. But then Mayor Reiter (SPD) surprisingly waved it off.
“I wouldn’t have expected that from the SPD,” said Kollar.
In Berlin, however, there is cross-party approval. Hermann Waldner, BVTM vice-president, still sees an uneasy situation there. The number of rental cars has been significantly reduced, but the pressure remains. Cooperation with platforms?
“Not our recommendation,” says Waldner. He has prepared contract drafts – with long terms and compensation clauses. But: “It’s a gradual surrender.”
Michael Oppermann remarked that Mr. Waldner was not acting on behalf of the federal association and reinforced once more that cooperation is not recommended by the BVTM.
Basic Expertise: “Finish Line Reached”
There is progress regarding the “basic expertise”. Michael Oppermann reports on a cross-state agreement under Hamburg’s leadership. TÜV and Dekra are to carry out the examinations. Technical details are being worked on. “It’s a compromise, but the examination will take place this year,” says Oppermann.
Europe: Fleets, Definitions, and Many Differences
To conclude, Floris Cloemans takes over the European policy section. Fleet electrification is an issue in Brussels – but even the definition of what counts as a “fleet” is unclear. While in the Netherlands already 40 percent of taxis are electric, the situation is different in many other EU countries. The integration into the public transport system also varies greatly nationally.
The BVTM meeting in Darmstadt shows: The taxi industry is under pressure – politically, economically, structurally. The association presents itself as combative and pragmatic. Not everything can be controlled, but much can be shaped. Kollar sums it up:
“We are used to drilling through thick planks.”
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