Cab topics (general)

To listen: How did Blacklane succeed in building a global platform for chauffeur services from Germany? What are the success factors? What role do Uber and the German market play?

The taxi industry is struggling with the consequences of the reform. The rides arranged by taxi centers have decreased by a quarter over the last two years. It's high time to take stock, according to the BVTM – and they are inviting everyone to an online meeting.

Munich's decision against minimum prices for rental car providers - from the outside, it seems like a small act. However, the decision by the Munich city council to forego minimum prices for rental cars in app-based transport could have greater consequences than Mayor Dieter Reiter is willing to acknowledge.

The taxi industry in Munich is sounding the alarm: The city is suspending promised protective measures against price dumping. Instead of clear rules, a new review order follows, leading to protests at Marienplatz.

Shortly before the planned city council decision, the SPD faction unexpectedly pulls the emergency brake – much to the annoyance of taxi companies. Instead of clear rules for all transport services, Munich is now opting for individual agreements with rental car providers.

After months accompanied by protests, political struggles, and diplomatic interventions, the city of Munich now finally seems ready to introduce a minimum price for rides with platform providers like Uber and Bolt – thereby setting a precedent that is likely to be noticed beyond the city's borders.

After protests and international pressure, the mayor is relenting: Discussions with taxi and ride-service providers brought no solution. Now the city council is to take action – a minimum price for ride services is approaching.

"Dalli" – according to Duden, "quickly, hurry up". In the Oder-Spree district, not far from Frankfurt (Oder), the "Dalli" on-call bus has been running since April 2022 – a demand-driven on-demand service that forces local taxi operators to rethink.

The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is persistent in research – with a business model that appeals to major clients. An example of how targeted financing and media utilization work is shown in a study on Uber - paid for by the provider itself.

Uber's business model is under criticism: An expert report reveals that without platform subsidies, economic operation is not possible. At the same time, taxi companies are coming under existential pressure due to the unequal competition.

At the meeting in Munich, fair competition conditions in passenger transport are brought into focus. Hubert Aiwanger appeared well informed and assured support in the fight against unfair competition with Uber & Co.

A survey commissioned by Freenow shows: The majority of the urban population desires transparent pricing in ride-hailing apps. However, support for minimum prices still has room for improvement.

According to the taxi association, Uber drivers in Munich have to work over eleven hours to earn the minimum wage. Investigations by authorities reveal massive violations. The city is now taking action – and could force the ride-hailing service to make changes.

Munich is at a turning point. At the end of the month, the city council will vote on whether ride-hailing platforms like Uber should adhere to minimum prices in the future. Michael Oppermann from BVTM speaks of a "pioneering decision."

Female night taxis are an effective measure to increase safety in night traffic. In various German cities, the service is continuously being expanded to provide women with a safe way home during the late hours.

Car rental companies announce protests as the city aims to stabilize the taxi market. The dispute over fair prices is escalating – and could change the entire industry.

The debate is by no means limited to taxi and tech platform, but touches on numerous socio-political and economic fundamental issues. It concerns the role of digital business models that resist tariff regulations and socio-political requirements.

Anyone who wants to make a difference in Berlin's transportation policy needs more than arguments. They need contacts. At least, that's how Patrick Meinhardt, CEO of the German Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV), sees it. From the inclusion taxi to the platform operators and the small specialist knowledge – the topics were diverse.

Outdated systems like INSIKA will soon no longer be permitted. Those who continue to operate without certified TSE risk heavy fines. What to consider when upgrading – and which solutions are suitable for the fleet.

Anyone who wants to work as a taxi driver will in the future have to demonstrate the "Basic Expertise." What in theory sounds like a reasonable approach has been causing head-shaking in practice for years. This is currently being heard particularly loudly from the Taxi and Rental Car Association TMV – and it reaches right into the ministerial offices.

While the Bundestag goes into the parliamentary summer break, the German Taxi and Rental Car Association (BVTM) remains politically active. A conversation about transport policy, urban reality – and quiet construction sites in the Berlin government operations.

(dpa/tk) The city of Frankfurt is introducing a digital control system for ride services. In the event of violations of the rules, access will be revoked immediately.

A meeting in the Bundestag shows: The Taxi and Rental Car Association Germany (TMV) wants to contribute – and finds a receptive audience with an old acquaintance: Carsten Müller.

In light of growing criticism of precarious working conditions at Uber and Bolt, municipal measures are coming into focus. The Fairwork report shows: Without statutory minimum prices, wage dumping and tax fraud are threatening—at the expense of drivers and competition.

With the Insignia, Opel was also active in the taxi market. The mid-range model from Rüsselsheim occasionally proved to be less durable than hoped. The TÜV primarily criticizes oil leaks in the engine and transmission.

The Games in Los Angeles are relying on the ride-hailing service Uber in 2028. Criticism is not only coming from Germany—and raises questions about the Olympic values.

Uber Health wants to take off in Germany and ignites another debate on digitalization, responsibility, and human closeness. BVTM Chief Executive Officer Michael Oppermann warns of "dumping mobility" in healthcare.

A step towards financial relief in everyday work. For many taxi drivers, their own car is more than just a vehicle – it is a workplace, a source of income, and a business card all at once. Repairs and maintenance costs have an even greater impact on their wallets.

The city is responding to the increasing price competition from platform providers like Uber. In the future, clear price floors for rental cars will apply in Heidelberg – violations are considered administrative offenses. The decision is attracting nationwide attention.

Actually, this evening was about networking, association work, and future projects of the economic summer. But amidst the planned conversations, drinks, and flashes of inspiration, a moment snuck in that the honoree did not expect: Allianz CEO Tino Barth was honored as a "Taxi Ambassador" by the TMV.

The taxi industry sounds the alarm: Revenues are collapsing while rental car providers operate at low prices. Now the trade demands clear legal regulations, more controls – and an end to competition under unequal conditions.

Volvo is under pressure. The traditional Swedish manufacturer is facing serious allegations: According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, KBA), illegal defeat devices were installed in several diesel models, including the widely-used XC60 with Euro 5 standard. The legal assessment is clear - and consequential for Volvo.

In over a dozen cities, the taxi industry demonstrated today for minimum prices and against social dumping by Uber & Co. Around 4,000 drivers nationwide participated in the National Day of Action.

Around 60 taxis are participating in the nationwide day of action, sending a clear signal to the administration and politics.

It is hot at the Place of Human Rights as Patrick Meinhardt steps in front of the crowd. His clear message: The taxi industry sees itself in a struggle for survival – and demands political support.

Today, on July 2, 2025, Berlin is at the center of the national Taxi Action Day: Taxi drivers from the capital gather around the Tiergarten from the morning, with a focus on the Brandenburg Gate. Nationwide, protests have been registered in more than ten cities - in Berlin, about 1,000 vehicles are expected, according to the dpa.

In 13 German cities, the taxi industry is demonstrating almost simultaneously today, on July 2, 2025, and is demanding minimum fares for rental cars. No matter how hot it gets, it has to happen. In Hanover, the protest is also being organized by Hallo Taxi 3911 GmbH. The demand is clear: minimum fares for everyone – now.

Yesterday, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, hundreds of taxi drivers gathered in Frankfurt to loudly initiate the National Day of Protest. The BVTM even reported over 600 participating vehicles and around 1,200 taxi drivers who took to the streets. A successful start!

The taxi and rental car industry is demanding protection against unfair competition – the federal government refers to ongoing measures. There seems to be consensus on the issue, but there is still significant need for discussion regarding the approach and pace.

The taxi and rental car packages for the long version of the Nissan Townstar with seven seats can now be ordered free of charge from the Oldenburg-based series manufacturer Intax. For questions about the vehicle, Nissan dealers can help, and all questions regarding taxi equipment are answered by Intax customer support.

(dpa) Children on the curb: Why drivers should refrain from well-intentioned hand signals and how otherwise misunderstandings can have serious consequences.

Less paperwork, less effort: A new billing service is set to reduce administrative work for taxi and rental car companies in Bavaria – including health insurance communication and support.

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, it is expected to get noisy in many German cities – but not just because of engines and horns. The taxi industry is calling for nationwide protests. Demonstrations and motorcades are planned in at least 14 cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. The goal: to draw attention to an industry that feels increasingly cornered by the competition of large platform providers.

Antalya, a city known primarily for sun, tourism, and heavy traffic, is currently testing a new safety concept in the taxi industry. The goal is to better protect both passengers and drivers with a system of cameras and a so-called panic button.

Patrick Meinhardt, Chief Executive Officer of the German Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV), met with the new Federal Minister of Finance and SPD Chairman Lars Klingbeil for a personal exchange. A conversation that the association considers an important step towards better cooperation between the industry and politics – and that shows how much the trade wants to make itself heard in times of digital platform economy and growing regulation.

On Friday morning, a loud protest rolled through the city center of Fürstenfeldbruck: about 50 taxis, most of them with Munich license plates, drove in a convoy around the district office. And protests were also forming in Freising. In addition to the loud protests, the taxi drivers also sought a clarifying conversation with the authorities.

The Federal Association of Taxi warns about platform-based rental cars moving to smaller cities and calls for political measures. Electrification and rural areas are also the focus of criticism.

The TMV is pushing for a comprehensive public transport reform: An expanded Germany ticket should also include taxis and thus improve mobility outside of cities. The federal and state governments are to share the financing.

On November 15, the Red Town Hall in Berlin is inviting people to the first Hip-Hop Ball – a premiere that aims to promise cultural scene and urban aesthetics. However, the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) is stirring up strong reactions: The association sharply criticizes the current sponsorship of the Governing Mayor and opposes the main sponsor Uber.

On November 15, 2025, the Red Town Hall in Berlin will for the first time become the venue for a hip‑hop‑ball – a cultural bridge between the urban scene and classical elegance. But once again, the American platform operator is a sponsor of a major event in the federal capital, while the LABO fights against Uber & Co.

With its exit from the ride business, Freenow is pursuing a new strategy: Instead of rental cars, digital taxi services will be the focus in the future. There are also political demands for market regulation.

As the Mallorca Island Radio reported on June 22nd, there are shortages in the taxi supply on the Balearic island. For the first time this season, there is a lack of enough vehicles to reliably meet the increasing demand. The background includes tariff disputes and infrastructure bottlenecks, which additionally strain the supply during the peak season.

The taxi companies are demanding municipal minimum prices for all ride services. Platform providers like Uber should no longer be allowed to deviate from the regulated market. The federal association warns against unfair practices and calls on cities to take action.

Kia continues its course towards modular electromobility – with a new vehicle that is likely to appeal to craftsmen, families, and the taxi industry. The PV5 Passenger is a fully electric minibus that aims to do more than just travel from A to B. It offers space, functionality, and a range of well-thought-out details without drifting into unnecessary gimmicks.

Los Angeles/San Francisco – Anyone ordering a driverless taxi in California not only pays more but also waits longer. Nevertheless, interest in Waymo's robotaxis is growing. A recent study by the analysis firm Obi shows: The autonomous competition to Uber and Lyft has its price. And yet it still has its customers.

In celebration of the anniversary of the Berlin taxi industry, Patrick Schnieder is showing a sign of recognition. On the afternoon of June 12, Federal Minister of Transport Schnieder received a small delegation from the Berlin Taxi Guild in his ministry.

It is a fixed date in the calendar of the German Taxi and Rental Car Association: the Volkswagen Group Forum, to which the car manufacturer annually invites its partners and industry representatives. This year too, Vice President Wolfgang Oertel and Managing Director Michael Oppermann traveled to Wolfsburg – for exchange, networking, and with a close eye on the group's model policy.

A CDU politician and two associations want to politically anchor the inclusion taxi. Patrick Meinhardt, chief executive of the TMV, recently spoke with the new labor and social policy spokesperson of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Marc Biadacz. Topic: the so-called inclusion taxi - a service aimed at providing people in wheelchairs with barrier-free mobility. The goal is to anchor the model long-term in the Social Code.

In a letter to four federal ministers, the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) calls for more decisive action against unfair competition and social dumping in the passenger transport industry.

In a surprisingly swift manner, the Federal Ministry of Finance responded to a letter from the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV). Just nine days after the appeal to extend the Cash Security Ordinance (KassenSichV) to so-called distance meters, the response from State Secretary Rolf Bösinger was on the table – a rare occurrence at the association's headquarters in Berlin. "We are still waiting for the responses from previous ministers," comments TMV Chief Executive Patrick Meinhardt dryly.