Politics Meets BVTM – Taxi in Focus of Transport Policy Discussions

A meeting with symbolic significance: On the day of Friedrich Merz's government declaration, representatives of the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) discussed future topics of the industry with CDU transport politician Michael Donth.

In Berlin, BVTM General Manager Michael Oppermann and BVTM Vice President Herman Waldner met with CDU transport expert Michael Donth (from left to right).| Photo: BVTM
In Berlin, BVTM General Manager Michael Oppermann and BVTM Vice President Herman Waldner met with CDU transport expert Michael Donth (from left to right).| Photo: BVTM

It wasn't the loudest appointment of this political day, but one with signal-giving importance for a trade that must reorient itself amidst the mobility transition. On Wednesday, representatives of the BVTM met with CDU member of parliament Michael Donth in the Paul-Löbe-Haus of the Bundestag. Donth has been active for years as a policy expert on transport issues – and for many in the industry, he is a reliable contact when it comes to long-term developments.

An open ear for the trade

Vice President Hermann Waldner and Managing Director Michael Oppermann first personally congratulated Donth on his re-election. The substantive part of the meeting then quickly focused on specific concerns of the taxi and rental car industry.

"We have been working closely and well with Michael Donth for many years," Waldner stated after the conversation.

The association particularly welcomed the fact that Donth independently addressed the upcoming evaluation of the Passenger Transportation Act (PBefG) for 2026 – an issue that intensively occupies the industry.

The federal association primarily calls for more practical regulations: The regulations need to be easier for regulatory authorities to apply, emphasized Waldner and Oppermann. Donth, in turn, committed to a system with few, clear rules – in favor of legal certainty for companies and enforcement authorities. A central register for the control of cross-approval activities was also on the agenda.

Taxis as Part of Public Transport

Another topic was the greater integration of taxis into public transport. Donth referred to the model in his constituency of Freudenstadt, where taxis are used as a supplement to regular public transport services – an approach that holds potential, especially in rural areas.

"Here we see an opportunity to close service gaps while strengthening the industry," said Waldner.

Less CO₂, More Efficiency

The transformation of vehicle fleets also played a role. The federal association advocated for targeted promotion of electrification. It’s not about symbolic politics, but effective climate protection:

"An electrified taxi saves significantly more CO₂ due to its high mileage than a private car," emphasized Waldner.

Donth was open to a funding system that prioritizes efficiency and impact.

Detail Questions with Impact

Even technical detailed questions like calibration laws found a place in the conversation. The association demands that in the future, a calibration of taximeters every two years should suffice—a sensible relief without forfeiting reliability, in their view.

Finally, the association representatives once again advocated for the introduction of the so-called "small expertise." Despite the tight labor market, a fundamental qualification for drivers is essential to ensure quality and reliability in the taxi and rental car sectors.

Between Everyday Life and Agenda

The fact that taxis—in contrast to rail or electromobility—do not play a role in the coalition agreement of the new federal government does not overly worry the association.

"The industry remains on the political agenda," emphasized Waldner.

The direct exchange with Michael Donth is a good sign that the industry's concerns are not being ignored. The conversation, according to both sides, was open, factual, and forward-looking—in an industry that is undergoing change but wants to maintain its place in the transportation landscape.

 

Content automatically translated.
Logobanner Liste (Views)