State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia sets the course for the public transport taxi

The transport committee of the North Rhine-Westphalian state parliament decided in its meeting on January 15 to introduce a proposal for the statewide implementation of the public transport taxi. The initiative was introduced by the FDP and received support from the governing factions of the CDU and the Greens. The final vote in the plenary session is considered a formality.

The taxi as a complement to the existing public transport system would be a win-win solution for taxi operators and passengers in regions with previously poor public transport coverage.| Photo: Lexi Anderson unsplash
The taxi as a complement to the existing public transport system would be a win-win solution for taxi operators and passengers in regions with previously poor public transport coverage.| Photo: Lexi Anderson unsplash

The German Taxi and Rental Car Association (BVTM) sees the decision as a clear commitment to the role of taxis in public transportation. Managing Director Michael Oppermann regarded the parliament's approval as a positive signal for both the taxi industry and mobility in rural areas. He emphasized that taxis have great potential that should be utilized jointly.

Concrete measures requested

The proposal calls on the state government to implement various measures to establish the public transport taxi in North Rhine-Westphalia:

  • Cities and districts should be informed about the concept and motivated to implement it together with the Future Network Mobility NRW.
  • The state government should examine measures to improve investment security for taxi companies.
  • A statewide system should be created to allow deeper integration of taxis into existing public transport services.
  • Finally, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the public transport taxi should be evaluated.

Oppermann pointed out the advantages of the system. The public transport taxi is a sensible addition to the existing regular service as it flexibly utilizes the existing taxi fleet. This is more economical than building new vehicle fleets. The state parliament explicitly recognizes this advantage and wants it to benefit the often financially strained municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The public transport taxi is a particularly attractive form of on-demand traffic since neither additional vehicles nor additional personnel need to be maintained by the transport companies.

Support from the Industry

The FDP parliamentary group initially introduced the initiative, accompanied by statements from the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars, as well as its state association, the Taxi Association NRW. Both associations supported the concept and explained its significance for mobility. With the decision of the Transport Committee, the next steps in implementing the public transport taxi in North Rhine-Westphalia have now been initiated. Final approval in the plenary session is likely to be just a formality.

“The Federal Association will constructively support the further implementation together with the Taxi Association NRW and assist the state government in introducing the public transport taxi,” explains Oppermann. Just a few weeks ago, the Federal Association presented a brochure "Public Transport Taxi Info Flyer for Authorities."

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