International News from the Taxi Industry: Press Roundup – Brief Overview Calendar Week 10

This small press roundup consolidates current news on developments in the international taxi sector from various media outlets in recent days. Today, among other things: a bonus program for female taxi drivers in London, protests against lower fares for medical rides in Tours, a price increase at Uber and Lyft in the United States.

Stock image: Whether bonus programs for female drivers, protests against fare reductions or tests of autonomous vehicles: the international taxi industry faces structural, economic and technological challenges. | Photo: AI-generated
Stock image: Whether bonus programs for female drivers, protests against fare reductions or tests of autonomous vehicles: the international taxi industry faces structural, economic and technological challenges. | Photo: AI-generated

£500 bonus for female taxi drivers in London

According to taxi-point.co.uk, the Free Now by Lyft platform is launching a bonus program in London to attract more female drivers to the Black Cab trade. Women who obtain the corresponding license are to receive a £500 bonus. The aim is to increase the share of women in the taxi trade. The company, according to the report, points to structural barriers to entering the profession and aims to ease training and entry with the financial incentive. (Source: taxi-point.co.uk/post/freenow-by-lyft-launches-500-bonus-to-attract-more-female-black-cab-taxi-drivers-in-london)

Share of women in Barcelona's taxi trade remains low

That targeted measures to promote women in the taxi trade are still considered necessary is shown by a report from Spain. According to elperiodico.com, the share of female taxi drivers in the Greater Barcelona area is in the single-digit percentage range. Initiatives from the sector call for more measures to promote women in the profession, including better work-family balance. At the same time, structural obstacles and safety aspects are highlighted that hinder entry. (Source: elperiodico.com/es/barcelona/20260306/taxistas-mujeres-area-metropolitana-barcelona-paridad-127593840)

Autonomous Waymo taxi blocks ambulance in Austin

According to Numerama.com, an autonomous vehicle from Waymo in Austin, Texas, is said to have impeded an ambulance. The incident reportedly occurred during a response to a shooting. According to the report, the robotaxi temporarily blocked the access road before it was moved. The provider said it is investigating the incident and is cooperating with the authorities. (Source: numerama.com/vroom/2191193-polemique-a-austin-un-taxi-autonome-waymo-bloque-une-ambulance-alors-quelle-intervenait-sur-une-fusillade.html)

China unveils the largest electric flying taxi

According to a report from thediplomaticinsight.com, a particularly large electric flying taxi was unveiled in China. The model named "Matrix" is designed for multiple passengers and is part of China's strategy to develop urban air mobility. According to the report, the aircraft is to be fully electric and, in the long term, intended for passenger transport in cities. (Source: thediplomaticinsight.com/china-largest-electric-flying-taxi-matrix/)

EU lays out roadmap for drones and air taxis

According to corrierecomunicazioni.it, the European Union has presented a framework for the integration of drones and air taxis into the European airspace. The aim is to create regulatory foundations for the so-called new mobility. The report points to requirements on safety, technical standards, and the gradual introduction of corresponding services. This should prepare the commercial deployment. (Source: corrierecomunicazioni.it/spaceconomy/droni-e-air-taxi-leuropa-traccia-la-strada-per-la-new-mobility/)

IN10 conviction could jeopardize a license

According to taxi-point.co.uk, an IN10 conviction for driving without insurance for taxi and private-hire drivers can have significant consequences. Accordingly, points on the driving record as well as fines are threatened. In addition, licensing authorities could check the reliability of drivers. The report notes that such a conviction can affect existing or future licenses. (Source: taxi-point.co.uk/post/what-an-in10-conviction-means-for-taxi-and-private-hire-drivers)

Muslim women build their own taxi offerings

According to a report from hyphenonline.com, Muslim women in Great Britain have established their own taxi and private-hire offerings. These include, among others, "Pink Ladies" and "Annisa Cars". The aim is to provide women with safe transport options and at the same time create professional opportunities for female drivers. According to the information, the initiatives also see themselves as a contribution to the visibility of women in the industry. (Source: hyphenonline.com/2026/03/05/female-muslim-cab-taxi-drivers-private-hire-pink-ladies-annisa-cars-international-womens-day/)

Warning of a "Taxi War" in Cornwall

Cornwalllive.com writes that industry representatives in Cornwall warn of increasing tensions between taxi and private-hire providers. The background are disputes over licenses and areas of operation. The report warns of a tightening of competition that could place economic pressure on existing businesses. Industry representatives therefore call for clearer regulations. (Source: cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/warning-taxi-wars-cornwall-10850163)

Few taxis available around the health center in Lanzarote

According to lancelotdigital.com, users in Lanzarote complain about difficulties finding an available taxi in the vicinity of the Valterra Health Center. Especially during peak hours, bottlenecks occur. The report points to high demand and limited vehicle availability in this area. Affected parties, according to the outlet, are calling for better organization of the taxi stands. (Source: lancelotdigital.com/lanzarote/dificultades-para-encontrar-un-taxi-libre-en-las-inmediaciones-del-centro-de-salud-de-valterra)

Passengers react to higher prices at Uber and Lyft

According to businessinsider.com, ride fares on Uber and Lyft in the United States continued to rise in 2025. Users say in the report that they are reducing their trips or turning to alternatives as a result. Among the reasons cited are higher operating costs. The development has implications for demand behavior and the frequency of use of the platforms. (Source: businessinsider.com/uber-lyft-fares-rose-2025-riders-say-theyre-cutting-back-2026-3)

Taxi protest against lower rates for medical rides in Tours

According to lanouvellerepublique.fr, taxi drivers in Tours protested against a reduction in remuneration for medical rides. The background was an adjustment of tariffs for medical transports. According to the report, the drivers fear economic losses. The demonstration was directed at the responsible authorities who are in charge of setting the rates. (Source: lanouvellerepublique.fr/tours/les-taxis-manifestent-a-tours-contre-la-baisse-du-tarif-des-courses-sanitaires-1772547445)

Waymo successfully tests robotaxis in winter operation

As borncity.com reports, Waymo autonomous vehicles have been tested under winter conditions. It is said that trips were completed in snow and mud to test the systems under difficult weather conditions. According to the report, the company regards the tests as successful and sees in them a step toward further expansion of the robotaxi operation. (Source: borncity.com/news/waymo-meistert-winter-test-roboter-taxis-im-schnee-und-matsch/)

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