Service provision in rural areas: Taxi Association of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania raises the alarm

Insufficient funding for patient transport jeopardizes the mobility of people in need of assistance. Policymakers and the association aim to develop solutions through dialogue.

From left: IHK President Krister Henninge, Minister-President Manuela Schwesig, Guido Sembach, Chairman of the state association for the taxi and hire car industry in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. | Photo: State Association for the Taxi and Hire Car Industry in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
From left: IHK President Krister Henninge, Minister-President Manuela Schwesig, Guido Sembach, Chairman of the state association for the taxi and hire car industry in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. | Photo: State Association for the Taxi and Hire Car Industry in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

At the economic reception of the Neubrandenburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), Guido Sembach, chairman of the State Association of Taxi and Private Hire in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and a member of the IHK General Assembly, put the current situation of the sector center stage.

Criticism of regulation and funding

In his speech, Sembach warned of the consequences of increasing overregulation and the lack of a level playing field. Many taxi and private hire companies in the state are facing an existential threat as a result. Another issue concerns the inadequate funding of non-emergency medical transport. This development endangers the provision of services to older, ill, and vulnerable people, especially in rural areas.

Meeting with Minister-President Schwesig

On the sidelines of the event, Guido Sembach held a bilateral meeting with Minister-President Manuela Schwesig. Topics included possible regulatory relief for the industry as well as the structural challenges in financing medical transportation.

Continuation of the dialogue planned

Both sides agreed to continue the exchange. The aim is to develop concrete solutions to stabilize the taxi and private hire sector in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

“For our state association and the many dedicated entrepreneurs in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, this meeting is an important signal,” said Sembach. “We need visibility and political support—for a level playing field and reliable service for the public.”

Michael Oppermann, Managing Director of the German Taxi and Private Hire Association: “Our member in the north makes it clear: clearly identifying the problems and engaging in constructive dialogue with policymakers are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary: it is our task as industry representatives, with great tenacity and stoic perseverance, to bring entrepreneurs’ issues into politics and then work together to develop solutions.”

(Source: Bundesverband Taxi und Mietwagen e.V.)

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