Saxony-Anhalt Parliament puts taxi traffic in focus

The trigger was a petition by the Fachvereinigung Personenverkehr Sachsen-Anhalt within the Landesverband Thüringen des Verkehrsgewerbes (LTV). In it, the association warns of a creeping withdrawal of taxis from rural areas – with consequences for mobility in the rural-leaning federal state. The provision of public services would soon no longer be guaranteed, it says in the submission (No. 8-V/00158).

The Landtag agreed with this assessment. The LTV's concern is justified; action is necessary. The state government must now provide a written report on the results of the investigation by the end of March.

Public services under scrutiny

With the resolution, the parliament recognizes that the nationwide availability of taxis is more than a market offering. It belongs to public provision of services. In the justification, the MPs point to medical transports, school transport, as well as the mobility of older people and people with limited mobility. Particularly in rural areas, taxis take on functions that buses and trains often do not cover.

Martin Kammer, managing director of LTV, feels vindicated:

"I am pleased that the state parliament, contrary to opposing and socially unfriendly claims, has taken a clear stance and made clear that the demise of taxi services is bad for society."

As early as June 2024 the association had sounded the alarm. The “wake-up call,” according to the LTV, was sent to the Petitions Committee, to Transport Minister Lydia Hüskens, as well as to the members of the Committee for Infrastructure and Digital. The aim had been to mobilize ministries, district administrations, cost bearers, and political decision-makers to take action.