Criticism levels towards Munich and Upper Bavaria's taxis for lowering the minimum fare in ride-sharing services, as per the IHK standpoint.
In the bustling city of Munich, Germany, traditional taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Bolt coexist, offering residents and visitors a variety of mobility options. However, the regulatory environment that governs these services is markedly different.
Traditional taxis require a permit, or "taxi license," from local traffic authorities. This process demands proof of professional suitability, insurance, vehicle inspections, and compliance with safety and operational standards under the German Passenger Transport Act (§13 I PBefG). Taxis must adhere to regulated, government-set fares, cannot reject rides, and often have to wait for passengers, limiting their pricing flexibility.
On the other hand, rideshare services like Uber have been treated primarily as rental car providers, permitting them to set fares dynamically without government restrictions. This pricing freedom has led to concerns from regulators and taxi operators that Uber's model threatens the viability of traditional taxi services due to uneven competitive conditions.
To address these imbalances, Munich’s local government is moving to impose new regulations, such as a minimum fare for rideshare trips. The goal is to level the playing field by ensuring rideshare drivers receive a minimum wage and by mitigating the impact on public transportation and traditional taxis.
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) for Munich and Upper Bavaria has expressed support for these proposed regulations. IHK CEO Manfred Goßl emphasized that a clear commitment to fair rules is needed to ensure fair competition in Munich's transportation market. Goßl believes that fair competition necessitates equal rules for all participants, and he emphasized that fair competition necessitates fair rules for all market participants.
Goßl also warned that as long as Germany adheres to a regulated public transport system, the rules must be the same for all competitors. He expressed concern about the potential disparity in rules between publicly regulated taxis and unregulated taxi-like services. The IHK is disappointed about the delay in voting on possible price regulation for taxi-like services and hopes that local politics will agree on a joint approach regarding the discussion.
The distortion of the market is particularly evident at Munich's airport and trade fair, where these mobility options make the city's economic location attractive and easily accessible. The IHK chief welcomes the variety of mobility options in Munich but emphasizes the importance of fair competition for all market participants.
In summary, the current regulatory environment in Munich differentiates taxis and rideshare services primarily by licensing, fare controls, and operational rules. Proposed new regulations intend to reduce competitive disparities by bringing rideshare fare pricing closer to that of taxis, impacting the rideshare market's flexibility but promoting fairer competition.
- The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) for Munich and Upper Bavaria supports new regulations aimed at leveling the playing field in Munich's transportation market, asserting that equal rules for all participants are essential for fair competition, particularly within the finance sector of transportation business.
- In advocating for these regulations, IHK CEO Manfred Goßl highlights the importance of fair rules within the industry, emphasizing that fair competition necessitates a consistent regulatory environment, not just for traditional taxis but also for emerging financial services in the business sector, such as rideshare services.
