Taxis in Berlin: Tradition beats competition - a clear change of course!

Taxis in Berlin: Tradition beats competition - a clear change of course!

The taxi industry in Berlin experiences a decisive change. Free Now, once an important provider of rental car rides, has announced that it will only offer regular taxis in the future. This happens in the face of increasing competition by platforms such as Uber and Bolt, which have confused the more traditional taxi business in the capital. With this decision, a "clear sign against unfair competition" is to be set, as Free Now explained. The city is repeatedly confronted with protests by taxi drivers who indicate the unfair conditions in competition, since rental car providers can often flexibly adapt their prices to demand.

Taxi system in Berlin: A proven means of transport

In Berlin, around 5,500 authorized taxis are available, the users bring to their destination safely and conveniently - whether to the airport or a business date. The prices have been clearly regulated since November 2022: the basic price is 4.30 euros, the mileage price is between 2.10 and 2.80 euros depending on the route. There are also options such as the so -called short -haul tariff, in which trips can be carried out up to 2 kilometers for 6 euros. A booking is possible via telephone and apps, including that of Free Now, which makes operation easier.

The security standards are also a big topic. Taxis should best be stopped at official taxi stands or directly on the street, whereby they can be seen on a shining taxi sign. Berlin taxis can be identified by specific license numbers that do not exist above 8000. The Senate has also carried out reviews of the vehicle stocks of providers such as Uber and plans to examine minimum prices for rental car providers what would further strengthen the position of the established taxi companies, such as reported. This new procedure could prove to be trend-setting for the taxi industry in the capital.