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Rising fuel prices and a higher minimum wage: VDV Rheinland presses for new taxi tariffs and better compensation
Sometimes two numbers are enough to describe the economic situation of an industry. One is 2.453 euros. That was the average diesel price in Germany in mid-September according to ADAC. The other is 14.60 euros. That is the statutory minimum wage that will apply from January 2027.
For many taxi and rental-car companies these two figures are now closely linked. Higher fuel costs coincide with rising personnel costs—and both factors directly affect the pricing of a business whose prices are often not freely determined on the market. The Rhine Transport Industry Association (VDV Rheinland) therefore sees an urgent need for action. In two separate letters — one to the member companies, the other to the permitting authorities in Rhineland-Palatinate — managing director Guido Borning describes the current situation as increasingly critical.
Non-emergency patient transports come under economic pressure
The association watches patient transport with particular attention. Many taxi and rental-car companies derive a substantial portion of their turnover from rides for those insured by statutory health insurance. Exactly there the association sees the greatest challenges. For months they have been holding talks with the health insurers about the rising costs, writes Borning. In doing so the association has repeatedly put a fuel surcharge on the table, but so far without success.
“We will therefore now once again approach the health insurers aggressively,” Borning announces.
It is no longer only about the economic situation of individual companies. More and more, the question arises of how the nationwide provision of non-emergency patient transport can be permanently guaranteed. The concern is not unfounded. From 2027, through the GKV Contribution Rate Stabilization Act, the possibilities to fully offset rising costs through higher reimbursements will be restricted. While wages, energy prices and vehicle costs rise, the room for maneuver in reimbursement negotiations narrows.
Thus two political goals come into conflict: The health insurers should limit their expenditures, while at the same time they rely on efficient transport providers.
Taxi tariffs come back into focus
At the same time, attention focuses on municipal taxi tariffs. The association expressly urges its member companies to review their calculations early and, if necessary, initiate adjustments with the competent authorities. For the turn of the year, the minimum wage rises from €13.90 to €14.60 per hour. That corresponds to an increase of just over five percent within a year. In addition, higher costs for fuel, vehicles, insurance, spare parts and workshop services are added.
“Therefore please do not wait until the turn of the year, but check in good time whether a modification of the taxi tariff should be requested or initiated with your licensing authority,” Borning writes to the companies.
At the same time, the association announces that it will actively approach the licensing authorities itself.
Reference to the legal framework
In the letter to the district and city administrations, the association argues not only economically but also legally. The VDV Rheinland refers to the provisions of the Passenger Transport Act (PBefG). Accordingly, taxi fares must, among other things, take into account the economic situation of the companies, the financing of the fixed capital, and the technological development.
The association explicitly refers to the statutory framework of the PBefG. For according to § 51 para. 3 PBefG, when setting the transport charges in taxi traffic, § 39 para. 2 PBefG is to be applied accordingly. Thereafter, the transport charges are to be assessed, in particular taking into account
- the economic situation of the operators,
- a sufficient return on and repayment of the invested capital, as well as
- the necessary technological development
to be assessed for their appropriateness.
The association attaches particular significance to a decision of the Rhineland-Palatinate Higher Administrative Court. Accordingly, taxi tariffs must be at least cost-covering. In addition, appropriate profit margins should also be considered in order to permanently maintain the industry's capacity. Especially in view of the statutory obligation to operate and to provide transport, it would be problematic if companies had to provide transport services permanently at tariffs that do not keep pace with the actual cost development.
Even the most recent fare increases may not be sufficient
Notably, the association explicitly also has those regions in view where the tariffs were adjusted only relatively recently. The economic framework conditions could have changed so markedly within a few months that a renewed review might be necessary. From the association's perspective, a tariff adjustment that was only recently implemented should therefore not be an argument to categorically reject current applications. What is decisive, however, is the question of whether the applicable tariffs under today’s cost conditions still meet the legal requirements.
More than just a tariff debate
Behind the letters lies ultimately a broader discussion about the financing of public mobility. Especially in rural areas taxi companies take on far more tasks than traditional urban rides. They transport patients to medical practices and clinics, secure student transportation, and fill gaps where buses and trains do not run or run only to a limited extent.
The association therefore reminds that economically stable companies are not only in the interest of the industry. Municipalities, health insurers, and passengers are also dependent on a functioning transport service. The discussion about taxi tariffs, remunerations, and the financing of medical transports will accompany the trade far beyond the turn of the year. Because unlike many other services, mobility cannot be paused easily. It has to be provided every day – regardless of how expensive diesel, electricity or personnel are at the moment.
A lot of work goes on behind the scenes
The VDV Rheinland also signals to its member companies that the current developments at the political and contractual levels are being closely followed. Many discussions with health insurance funds, authorities and political decision-makers took place away from public attention, but currently have high priority, emphasizes Managing Director Guido Borning. The aim remains a viable financing of the transport services. The association announces that it will maintain the pressure on the negotiating partners and inform the companies about further steps as well as possible outcomes of the talks.
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