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Today that issue has formally died, after years of straining the nerves of many taxi operators, drivers and associations: The federal government and the states have agreed on abolishing the so-called “Small Qualification.” The BVTM explicitly regrets this decision in a brief press release.

The taxi and rental-car association criticizes the lack of results from the latest automotive summit. It demands stable funding conditions for alternative powertrains and an end to the combustion-engine phase-out in order to strengthen planning certainty and innovation capacity in the SME sector.

The taxi and rental-car associations warn of distortions of competition caused by dumping prices and violations of the law in the rental-car sector. Without minimum fares, Wuppertal risks becoming a fallback region for providers from Essen, where fixed prices will apply from 2026.

The Chancellor's auto summit this week is met with high expectations by the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV). President Thomas Kroker and Managing Director Patrick Meinhardt call for a clear line in German automotive policy that goes beyond short-term symbolic politics.

The taxi and rental-car industry is investing in climate-friendly drivetrains – but a lack of planning certainty endangers progress. The association calls on the federal government to set binding guidelines and a reliable funding and tax policy.

What opportunities does "Taxi 4.0" offer for the economy and public transport? The TMV's think tank wants to provide answers – with discussions on efficiency, digitalisation and fair competitive conditions in the taxi and rental-car sector.

At the conclusion of the federal government's cabinet retreat, where once again a 'modernization agenda' and deregulation were invoked, the Federal Association of Taxi and Hire Cars e.V. (BVTM) issues an urgent appeal to Economics Minister Dr. Reiche: Instead of continuing to talk about deregulation, the government should finally act—and begin with a simple measure: the overdue extension of the calibration deadline for taximeters.

How can taxis be more strongly integrated into rural local transport? What rules are needed for fair competition with platform providers? These questions were the focus of the discussion between TMV and CSU politician Alexander Hoffmann.

The CDU Economic Council proposes in a current position paper to no longer have the statutory health insurance (GKV) cover travel costs for medical treatments. This measure is intended to contribute to reducing healthcare expenditures. However, critics fear that, in particular, people with low incomes or in rural areas could be disadvantaged.

In a letter to Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, the association is pressing for a reversal of the strict ban on internal combustion engines. Instead, it calls for planning certainty and support for various propulsion systems.

To mark the industry's 125th anniversary, the association made a joint appearance with the Berlin Taxi Guild. The focus was on the challenges posed by illegal private hire vehicles, as well as the importance of solidarity within the SME sector.

"Death of the taxi industry because of Uber? Hardly!" — that's how it was titled in the ImPuls column series by journalist Minh Thu Tran. The managing director of the Association of Private Commercial Road Passenger Transport in North Rhine-Westphalia e.V. (VSPV), Sascha Waltemate, could not let that stand and "took to the keyboard." Here is his polished and detailed rebuttal.

Insufficient funding for patient transport jeopardizes the mobility of people in need of assistance. Policymakers and the association aim to develop solutions through dialogue.

The Federal Association of Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (BVTM) welcomes the decision of the Essen City Council to introduce binding minimum prices for private hire vehicle journeys from January 1, 2026. This will make Essen the first city with more than 500,000 residents to make use of this new legal option to create fair market conditions in the mobility sector.

It was a sunny Saturday in Holzwickede, but at the Kinderglückhalle everything revolved around issues that tend to cause furrowed brows for many taxi and private hire operators in their day-to-day business: digitalization, new statutory requirements, competition from international platform providers – and, not least, the question of how the classic taxi can hold its own in the future mobility mix.

At the Think Tank, controversial issues take center stage — from illegal hire vehicles, through the handling of platform providers, to new efficiency requirements. SPD politician Tino Schopf also provides insights during a “Current Affairs Hour”.

In talks with Bavaria’s Minister-President, the association highlights the importance of accessible taxis and taxis that complement local public transport. It is calling for binding fares as well as stronger action against social-security fraud in the passenger transport market.

A special anniversary was celebrated in Bispingen last week: Taxi Rathje has been serving the region for 35 years. Owner Gundula Hauenstein invited customers, association colleagues, and friends to celebrate her company's anniversary together—on the company's own premises, in a familial and approachable setting.

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.

Fixed taxi fares are becoming increasingly widespread in German cities. In addition to Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Cologne, providers such as Freenow and Uber have also introduced similar models. The development is accompanied by debates about the legal framework and tariff corridors.

In Mainz, pressure is mounting on the city administration to reorganize the competition between taxis and private hire vehicle companies. Representatives of the taxi industry and the Mobility and Logistics Association Rhineland-Palatinate (MOLO) spoke last week with the Traffic Monitoring Office – and urged the introduction of minimum fares for private hire vehicles.

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.

A parking lot with festively decorated vehicles, a company hall with long tables, music playing subtly in the background – and in the middle, a family celebrating two companies. But in Straubing, it was not only a celebration, but also a look forward – with respect for the past and a clear stance for the future of the industry.

The annual think tank of the Taxi and Rental Car Association develops strategies, studies, and pilot projects on current industry topics. The format is intended to serve as an early warning system for market changes in passenger transport.

The Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) publicly presented the TaxiTrainer app during a digital launch event.

Leipzig forgoes minimum prices for rental cars – sending a disastrous signal. The decision by the major Saxon city not to set minimum fees for the rental car industry is causing discontent within the sector.

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.

(dpa/sn/tk) - In Leipzig, Uber and other rental car providers had to raise their prices at short notice. But then there was a reversal. What is the current status?

In the debate about fair competition in passenger transport, the university city is drawing a clear line: As the first major city in Germany, Heidelberg is introducing binding minimum tariffs for rental car providers like Uber.

It was supposed to be a milestone – but it has mainly become an omission. Four years after the amendment of the Passenger Transport Act (PBefG) came into force, the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) expresses disappointment.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Deutsche Bahn is serious about digitization: For rail customers, this means a fully digital voucher system starting in 2026. Taxi companies and billing centers will also benefit from more efficient processes and simplified handling.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Media attention alone is not enough for the association: Now actions must follow. The industry demands binding minimum prices to secure the taxi business as part of public services and to establish fair market conditions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.