TMV calls for stricter checks on rental-car platforms: discussion with Green Party transport policy politician Victoria Broßart

The political pressure on the taxi and rental car industry is growing—and with it the demands for clearer rules. In a discussion in Berlin, representatives of Taxi- and Mietwagenverband Deutschland (TMV) conveyed their concerns directly to Bundestag member Victoria Broßart (Alliance 90/The Greens). The transport policy politician belongs to the Transport Committee of the German Bundestag and is regarded within her faction as the contact person for mobility issues.

At the center of the exchange were the increasing spread of platform-mediated rental car offerings as well as the economic situation of many businesses. TMV President Thomas Kroker and Office Manager Nico Höttges used the meeting to explain the central demands of the association and to advocate for a revision of important regulatory frameworks.

Adjustments to PBefG demanded

The association referred to its current position paper. From TMV's point of view, adjustments to the Passenger Transport Act (PBefG), to the Regulation on the Operation of Motor Vehicle Companies in Passenger Transport (BOKraft), and to the Professional Access Regulation for Road Passenger Transport (PBZugV) are necessary. The aim is to adapt the legal framework to the changes in the market.

The association representatives placed special emphasis on competition with platform-based mobility providers. For years taxi companies have criticized that although statutory requirements for rental cars exist, their compliance is, in many places, only inadequately monitored. The focus is mainly on the so-called return-to-base obligation, according to which rental cars must generally return to their base after completing a job, provided there is no follow-up order.

“Our industry is under enormous regulatory and economic pressure,” TMV President Thomas Kroker said. “We urgently need modernization of the legal framework that takes into account the changed market conditions. Especially in the area of platform-mediated rental cars, existing provisions such as the return-to-base obligation must be consistently monitored and legal gray areas closed. Only through fair competition and the removal of bureaucratic hurdles can we secure the viability of our businesses and guarantee reliable mobility in on-demand transport in the future. The constructive exchange with Ms. Brossart shows that our concerns are being heard in the Transport Committee.”