Politics

The city and the taxi and private-hire vehicle sector are wrangling over minimum prices. The council is set to decide at the end of September, with new fixed taxi fares up for a vote at the same time.

250 taxi companies with 6,000 employees are struggling with losses. Social insurance fraud running into the millions and the lack of minimum fares are exacerbating the situation. The industry is calling for the same rules for all providers.

A ZDF documentary recently reignited a debate about abuse in the social welfare system. Also in focus: how drivers for Uber & Co. deliberately exploit the social welfare system. 

In Essen, ride-hailing services will no longer be permitted to be offered below certain fares in the future. The basis is an expert report that highlights major problems concerning drivers’ rights and social standards.

(dpa) By mid-2026, Uber and Bolt are to negotiate price agreements with the city. Minimum fees and fare caps are planned. The conflict with the taxi industry remains.

The Federal Association uses the first meeting with Transport Minister Schnieder to present key industry demands – from flexible mobility in rural areas to more precise regulations for municipalities and driver qualifications.

At the meeting in the Federal Ministry of Transport, central topics of the taxi and rental car industry were discussed. In addition to combating illegal rental cars, the introduction of minimum tariffs and the promotion of alternative vehicle drives were especially on the agenda.

Once upon a time, there was a reform announced. Four years ago, the amendment of the Passenger Transport Act came into effect – and with it, the traditional local knowledge test for rental car drivers disappeared. Instead, a new hurdle was to be introduced: the so-called "Small Professional Knowledge" test.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How can mobility be designed to be social, fair, and sustainable? TMV and Armand Zorn sought answers to this with surprisingly high agreement on key issues such as public transport and market fairness.

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.

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.

At the Parliamentary Taxi Evening in Berlin, the future of passenger transport law is at the forefront. Policy experts from four parliamentary groups and the Federal Taxi Association analyze current regulations and possible need for reform.

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.

Following the unanimous decision to raise the minimum wage, the pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises in passenger transport is increasing. The taxi industry, in particular, feels increasingly threatened in its existence by competition and rising costs.

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.

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.

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.

Patrick Meinhardt, chief executive officer of the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (TMV), met with Steffen Bilger, the First Parliamentary Secretary of the Union faction. A conversation between old colleagues—and experts in transport policy issues.

The taxi is not just a means of transportation, but increasingly part of a bigger idea: mobility for all – regardless of place of residence or physical conditions. This was the focus of the recent exchange between the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) and SPD Member of Parliament Martin Kröber.

(dpa) Trump's criticism of subsidies for Musk's companies is causing unrest. Investors are reacting sensitively, while Musk's business model with stock loans is coming under additional pressure. The dispute also affects strategically important US projects.

The intersection between tourism and mobility is significant—and is increasingly coming into the focus of politics. At a meeting in Berlin, Anja Karliczek (CDU), the new chairwoman of the Bundestag's Tourism Committee, and Patrick Meinhardt, chief executive officer of the German Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV), have agreed on closer cooperation.

With Olaf Lies and Grant Hendrik Tonne at the helm of Lower Saxony, the TMV is relying on continuity and clear signals for the industry. Initial statements on tariff policy and regional funding indicate the direction.

Health insurance billing, a lack of drivers, and platform providers like Uber are putting pressure on the traditional taxi industry. A visit to Roxheim shows how rural providers are fighting back – and what political solutions are now needed.

"Minimum wage now" with this demand, accompanied by loud protests, over 500 taxi drivers demonstrated in front of the Munich town hall yesterday, Monday, against the price and social dumping by Uber and Bolt in the Bavarian capital.

A new Minister of Transport takes office – and old topics are back on the table. Patrick Schnieder, CDU politician from Rhineland-Palatinate, will take over the Federal Ministry of Transport. The Taxi and Rental Car Association of Germany (TMV) has taken the opportunity to convey the industry's wishes and expectations to the future minister at an early stage.

Originally, the Munich city council was supposed to decide on the introduction of minimum transportation fares for rental cars in April. However, the item was removed from the agenda at short notice. There are said to be too many open questions. The decision has now been postponed – to the next meeting in about four weeks.

The Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) introduces key industry topics into political discussions. The association discussed with the CDU and SPD about reducing bureaucracy, barrier-free mobility, and expanding public transport taxis, especially with regard to rural areas.

In its assessment of the coalition agreement, the TMV warns against a politically motivated minimum wage of 15 euros and criticizes the lack of a concept against unfair competition. The stronger integration of mobility and SME support is viewed positively.

The German Taxi and Rental Car Association (BVTM) welcomes the swift agreement of CDU, CSU, and SPD on a coalition agreement. The association sees positive signals in e-mobility, calls for improvements in public transport taxis, and urges renewed attention to the PBefG.

A car that has been idling for a long time doesn't necessarily need a new engine. Sometimes it's enough to change the driver – or get rid of the passenger. In political Berlin, the Ministry for Digital and Transport was such a misappointment for a long time: a technocratic hybrid with too many tasks and too little direction. Now it has been decoupled, and relief is spreading in the passenger transport industry.

The separation of the Digital and Transport Ministry - in other words, the decision to make two independent ministries out of it - is more than just an organizational measure for the taxi industry.

In a joint letter from the Action Alliance Economic Warning Day to the leaders of the Union and the SPD, tax relief for German companies is being demanded. According to TMV, it is about protecting competition and strengthening the economy.

(dpa/lsw) - The toll for drivers on highways has already failed once. It cost more than 240 million euros. Nevertheless, the District Council is making a new attempt in light of the exploratory talks.

(dpa) It has been the best-selling product of the Volkswagen brand for years: the VW currywurst. And while car sales are flagging, the sausage is rushing from record to record.

(dpa) The European automotive industry is under pressure, and politics wants to help. EU Commission President von der Leyen now says where the journey should go.

The Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) is relying on the new government and emphasizes the desire for cooperation. According to TMV, urgent issues in infrastructure, economy, and administration must be addressed in the new legislative period.

(dpa/lni) Are electric cars retreating or are they the future? This question also occupies many VW employees in Emden. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz provides a clear answer to this during a visit to East Frisia.

(dpa) 3,000 euros for hunting associations are causing a stir in connection with the Northvolt settlement. Were community representatives therefore biased when they cleared the way for the construction of the factory?

The ACV Transportation Transition Paper is now available as an interactive digital brochure on the ACV website.

(dpa) The CEOs of Deutsche Bank, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz are advocating for an open Germany in a joint call. They are also demanding a completely new economic policy.

There is currently much speculation behind the scenes in Berlin about the First Parliamentary Secretary of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Thorsten Frei. The right-hand man of the Union's parliamentary group leader, Friedrich Merz, took time for a meeting with the TMV Chief Executive Patrick Meinhardt in the German Bundestag ahead of the election.

(dpa) Traffic often gets congested on the Paris ring road, and environmental pollution is high. Now a lane is being reserved for carpooling during rush hour. What is this supposed to achieve?

As part of the third Conference on Transportation Science, a topic that has often been neglected in research was discussed: "Mobility in rural areas". Unfortunately, the topic of public transport taxis was left out of the discussion.

Due to the current rescheduling in the German Bundestag regarding the Union's migration proposals, the timetable is changing. TMV-direkt with Carsten Müller will take place one week later.

The two politicians have been advocating for the taxi industry for years - whether it's about fare corridors, minimum prices, or the fight against Uber & Co. The taxi and rental car association has now honored the special commitment of Schopf and Donth. 

The Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars was able to secure three high-ranking federal politicians for the digital panel discussion before the election: Michael Donth (CDU), Nyke Slawik (Greens), and Mathias Stein (SPD). In the 60-minute discussion in the format "Taxi Politics Live," they debated with association president Herwig Kollar and answered questions from the taxi audience.

The Taxi and Rental Car Association announces the next dates for its online event TMVdirekt. During these events, participants have the opportunity to ask questions to transport politicians from the SPD, FDP, and the Union.

(dpa) This year, more electric cars could hit the road in Germany than in 2024, believes the ADAC. Reliable political framework conditions are important. Expert Dudenhöffer agrees.

The campaign for the federal elections is underway, and the Taxi and Rental Car Association of Germany e. V. (TMV) is taking the opportunity to once again promote dialogue between the industry and prominent transport politicians.

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(dpa) Actually, the remote-controlled cars of the Berlin start-up Vay were primarily supposed to drive in Hamburg. However, due to better conditions, the rental cars are mainly operating in Las Vegas.