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Dispute over Uber in Kiel: Taxi industry accuses ride service of violating the return-to-base obligation
Since June 2025, the ride-hailing platform Uber has also been active in Kiel. This puts the city's 138 taxi companies in new competition. Customers can book rides via the app at prices generally cheaper than taxis, often complemented by discount promotions.
Decline in taxi licenses
Uber's market entry has already had noticeable effects on the local taxi industry. According to the City of Kiel, since June five operators with a total of ten vehicles have relinquished their licenses. One entrepreneur switched entirely to the hire-car business and now drives for Uber. For comparison: in the entire year 2024, twelve taxi companies with a total of 18 vehicles surrendered their permits.
Criticism of violations of the return-to-base obligation
The state association for the taxi and rental-car trade in Schleswig-Holstein, representing around 600 businesses with 1,800 vehicles, accuses Uber drivers of not complying with applicable law. Specifically, it concerns violations of the so-called return-to-base obligation. This obliges rental cars to return to the base after every trip – unlike taxis, which may wait for customers in the city area.
According to the association, taxi drivers have documented and formally recorded around 65 violations within a month. In several cases, courts have ruled in favor of the plaintiff taxi companies. Nevertheless, according to the association, little has changed in practice. Moreover, some rental-car companies lack clearly designated parking spaces, which effectively makes the return-to-base obligation difficult.
Reaction from Uber and the involved companies
The companies My Space and Hayde-Car, operating in Kiel for Uber, were unavailable for comment.
Uber said in response to inquiries that compliance with legal regulations is the company’s highest priority. Partner companies are contractually obligated to meet all legal requirements. If violations are identified, measures could include suspension from the platform.
Calls for a minimum fare and tougher controls
The taxi association is urging the city of Kiel to consistently monitor compliance with the return-to-base requirement and to revoke permits in case of violations. Furthermore, the association advocates a minimum tariff in the hire-car industry to ensure, in its view, fair competitive conditions.
A spokesman for the city of Kiel said they are pursuing relevant leads and are currently examining what additional measures are possible. This also includes the industry’s call for the introduction of minimum prices for hire cars. (Source: sh:z Schleswig-Holsteinischer Zeitungsverlag)
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