TMV Think Tank: Uniform rules, different paths – how the 'unitary trade' has changed Austria's industry.

The aim was to create equal framework conditions for all providers – regardless of whether they offer classic taxi rides or digitally mediated rides. In practice, however, much of it is only on paper. The reform came into force in the early 2020s and consolidated the activities under the title „Passenger Transport Trade with Cars (Taxi)“ together. This sentence ends with a period in the German text; the translation keeps the sentence complete with the translated content.

Thus the same federal principles now apply to all operators – from the classic taxi at the stand to app-mediated rides. The legal basis is the On-Demand Transport Act (GelverkG), flanked by the Federal Operating Regulations. These lay down general obligations, for example regarding safety, consumer protection and trade licensing law. The detailed rules – from vehicle equipment to tariff questions – are determined by the states through their own state operating regulations.

New obligations for drivers and operators

For the driving personnel, the reform meant clear requirements: Since 2021 a taxi-driver license is mandatory. The qualification is intended to ensure quality and promote comparability in the occupational profile. Vehicles must, depending on state requirements, have certain equipment and meet emission standards. Passengers also receive clearly regulated information about tariffs and ways to file complaints.

Operators also must adhere more strictly to formal requirements. In urban areas there is usually the obligation to have taximeters and visible identification—regulations that previously applied only to the taxi trade. In response, the legislature is reacting to the growing importance of digital intermediary platforms and to calls for fair competition.

Vienna bets on e-taxis, Styria on continuity

How differently the states use their leeway is shown by the comparison between Vienna and Styria. The capital has comprehensively revised its state operations ordinance. From January 1, 2025, only emission-free taxis may be newly licensed there—pure electric vehicles or fuel-cell models. There are exceptions only for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. At the same time, labeling obligations and information rules were tightened: passengers must be informed about tariffs, vehicle type, and complaint channels; taximeters are mandatory. Vienna thus sets clear accents toward environmental and consumer protection.

Styria takes a pragmatic approach. There too, taxi, rental car, and guest-vehicle operations have been brought into the new legal framework. The focus is on technical minimum quality—such as air conditioning and safety equipment—as well as clear licensing procedures. Environmental requirements are included, but there is no binding timetable for the switch to emission-free vehicles.