Unions

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.

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.

At the invitation of the SPD parliamentary group, representatives of the Taxi Association and the TMV engaged in talks with political decision-makers. Current challenges and the future role of the taxi industry in Berlin were discussed.

The Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) is going on the offensive. In an open letter to Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, Federal Labor Minister Bärbel Bas, and SPD parliamentary group leader Dr. Matthias Miersch, the association, together with ten other industry representatives, demands that political influence on the minimum wage commission must be refrained from.

The Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars is getting involved on the international stage. In Hamburg, the question arose as to how autonomous vehicles and traditional taxis will complement each other in the future – or displace each other.

It was a ceremony that recalled the eventful history of the taxi guild, without ignoring the current challenges. On the occasion of the anniversary celebration, numerous taxi entrepreneurs and politicians gathered in Spandau to honor the taxi guild and its chairman Leszek Nadolski.

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.

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.

On Tuesday, July 2, 2025, the taxi industry intends to make a clear statement – with nationwide protest actions under the motto "National Taxi Action Day." The Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) is now providing a website where materials for the demonstrations can be downloaded.

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.

Michael Donth takes on key roles in three Bundestag committees – making him an even more important figure for the taxi and tourism industry. The TMV congratulates him and wants to further intensify contact.

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.

Sometimes jurisprudence is cumbersome – yet consequential. The Federal Social Court (BSG) dealt with a rather everyday occurrence in a ruling on February 20, 2025, which mainly affects taxi and rental car businesses: Who bears the costs when a patient undertakes a medical transport without prior approval from the health insurance company?

Changes are part of parliamentary routine, especially when responsibilities are redistributed within factions. Yet sometimes a departure from a specialist field is more than just a personnel matter. For the taxi and rental car industry, Martin Kröber's (SPD) departure from responsibility for the Passenger Transportation Act (PBefG) in the Bundestag signifies a disruption – albeit not a permanent one.

The digitalization of operational audits is advancing – and with it, the importance of technical security devices (TSE) in the taxi industry is growing. The Cash Security Regulation (KassenSichV), actually an instrument for combating tax evasion, meanwhile threatens to become a new point of contention between financial policy and the taxi trade.

Hamburg-Langenhorn, a Tuesday morning in May. Amidst new car paint and charging stations, between political programs and substantial discounts, the who's who of the northern German taxi industry gathers.

The Federal Association of Taxis and Rental Cars (BVTM) addresses the new Federal Minister of Economics with a clear concern. In a factually worded letter, the BVTM congratulates Katherina Reiche on her new role – and takes the moment to point out a regulation that is difficult for the industry to understand: the annual calibration requirement for taximeters.

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.

The TMV sees new opportunities for the industry: reducing bureaucracy, more public transport integration, and a "Germany Ticket Plus" are on the agenda. Taxis could also soon play a bigger role in rural areas.

A meeting with symbolic significance: On the day of Friedrich Merz's government declaration, representatives of the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) discussed future topics of the industry with CDU transport politician Michael Donth.

Recently, there was a small but somewhat unusual honor at the federal office of the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV). Reiner Holznagel, President of the Taxpayers' Association, may henceforth call himself a "Taxi Ambassador" – a title the association awards to personalities who are particularly committed to the taxi industry and fair transport policy.

The taxi industry is simmering like never before: In cities, the industry is threatened by illegal rental cars and is fighting back, while in rural areas, the introduction of public transport taxis is progressing slowly. Taxis are in the media spotlight.

It was not a formal round of negotiations, but an exchange with a handshake quality. When Thomas Kroker, President of the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV), and its Chief Executive Officer Patrick Meinhardt were received at the federal headquarters of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DeHoGa), the entry was immediately personal. "For me, there is only the taxi," explained DeHoGa head Ingrid Hartges, "other offers are not an option for me at all."

After Friedrich Merz was elected Federal Chancellor in the second ballot, the new cabinet took shape. With the swearing-in of the ministers, the positions of state secretaries also came into focus. One of these goes to Christian Hirte - TMV met the CDU politician for a conversation.

It was not merely a celebration of existence, but also a warning to politics: At their 35th annual general meeting in Erfurt, the Thuringian transport and logistics industry made their voices heard clearly.

A statement that sticks: “We are pleased that the Saul is becoming Paul again.” With this biblical phrase, the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) welcomes the change of course by Mercedes-Benz – a company that was once considered a reliable partner in the taxi industry and then abruptly distanced itself.

In the conference room of the Marriott Hotel in Darmstadt, it is quiet as Herwig Kollar takes the microphone. The president of the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) looks into expectant faces. It is the afternoon of May 6th – the public part of the association meeting has begun. Kollar presents a program that outlines the central challenges facing the industry: federal politics, medical transport, platforms, Europe.

With the honorary position of "Taxi Ambassador," the TMV highlights a trustworthy political collaboration—and sends a signal regarding the importance of the taxi industry in the public transportation system.

When lobby groups come together, it is nothing unusual. However, when representatives of such diverse sectors as taxi drivers, retailers, hairdressers, and farmers appear with almost identical arguments, it is worth taking a closer look.

The tone is friendly, the message clear: With a letter to Gitta Connemann, CDU member of the Bundestag and future Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Economics, the Taxi and Rental Car Association Germany (TMV) speaks up early. The association congratulates on the new role – and combines the congratulations with clear expectations.

While in Berlin the political stage is being set for the election of the new Federal Chancellor, the German Taxi and Rental Car Association (BVTM) meets on May 6 in Darmstadt for the general meeting. A symbolic moment that draws attention to the future of the taxi industry.

"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.

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.

From the outside, one might think it is a classic conflict between economics and ethics. But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear: it is about attitude – and about credibility.

The new partnership between the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) and Ballnath Assekuranz ensures special conditions for members on liability and comprehensive insurance.

Strong exchange and clear perspectives – at the meeting of the specialist divisions for taxi and rental car transport of the Rhineland-Palatinate transport associations on April 3, 2025, the future opportunities of the industry were the focus.

The Transport Ministers' Conference (VMK) was held on April 2 and 3, 2025, in Nuremberg. In advance, the German Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) addressed the chairman of the VMK, State Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU), with a letter to address key concerns of the industry.

The Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) supports the plan of the federal states to start the taxi driver exam this year. The exam should be mandatory for taxi drivers as well as for drivers for platform operators.

The city of Leipzig is introducing minimum prices for ride services like Uber. The city announced this in its electronic official bulletin (Here is the link to the official bulletin of the city of Leipzig) on April 5, 2025. The German Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) expressly welcomes the decision and sees it as a model for other cities in Germany.

With the change at the top of the Bundestag, many associations are hoping for better cooperation with the government. The Taxi and Rental Car Association Germany (TMV) is also taking the opportunity to make its voice heard with the new President of the Bundestag, Julia Klöckner (CDU).

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.

The Taxi Auto Zentrale Stuttgart (TAZ) had only decided in January to collaborate with the mobility service provider Freenow. Freenow CEO Alexander Mönch called it a model for other cities in Germany. Now, TAZ Chairman Iordanis Georgiadis has announced the cooperation with the platform operator Uber.

The Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) advocates for the creation of reliable mobility offerings and makes demands to the coalition members of the Union and SPD: For the public transport taxi, more participation, the expansion of local transport, and against Uber & Co.

An important change in the TaBeA project, which is relevant for all drivers: From March 31, all train attendants of Deutsche Bahn can issue digital rail taxi vouchers. The issuance can then already take place on the trains and not just at the station.

On Friday, March 28, 2025, the Taxi-Funktaxi-Zentrale e.G. in Duisburg is planning a demonstration in front of the town hall. Between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, the members of the cooperative want to draw attention to what they consider an unfair competitive situation caused by ride service providers like Uber and Bolt and advocate for the introduction of minimum prices.

There is unrest in the Munich taxi cooperative Taxi-München eG. At an emergency meeting of the board and supervisory board on March 20, 2025, serious allegations were made. Several supervisory board members are said to be cooperating with the platforms Uber and Bolt – a process that is causing significant tensions within the cooperative.

At the latest meeting of the IRU Taxi Group (International Road Union), which meets biannually, Gregor Beiner, board member of the Federal Association of Taxis and Rental Cars (BVTM), was elected Vice President of the IRU Taxi Group.

The Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) is up in arms against the minimum wage increase to 15 euros proposed by the SPD. According to the TMV, the middle class must absolutely be relieved to avoid the risk of more and more taxi companies having to give up.

In three weeks, the time has come – this year's PBefG Symposium, in collaboration with the German Association of Cities, builds on the successes of the last two years: Already 110 representatives from authorities across Germany have registered for the event format with the motto “Update 2025: Securely using PBefG instruments – cities learning from cities.”

Berlin has taken on a nationwide pioneering role in securing the future of the taxi and rental car industry, declared Thomas Kroker, President of the Taxi and Rental Car Association Germany (TMV). They welcome the fact that CDU and SPD in the Berlin House of Representatives have jointly set the course for fair competition on the streets of the capital.

The emergency motion in the House of Representatives on Thursday to better protect taxis as a public service was approved by all parties. The Federal Association of Taxis and Rental Cars (BVTM) welcomes the action plan and urges the swift implementation of minimum prices.

The Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) is, on behalf of the entire industry, a partner of Deutsche Bahn AG. Among other things, in employee mobility and disruption management, Deutsche Bahn has been relying on the flexible solutions of the taxi industry since 2006. 

In Bamberg, representatives of smaller cities, taxi centers, and cooperatives met at the end of last week for the Anti-Uber Alliance (AUA). With about 60 participants, the first meeting of the community of suffering and interest initiated by Christian Linz from the LVBTM was well attended.