Foundation for Fair Competition between Taxis and Rental Cars
Berlin, October 28, 2024 – The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) has presented a draft law that aims to create a level playing field for taxis and rental cars. The new regulations are intended to ensure fair competition and protect consumers.
One of the key changes in the draft law is the introduction of a new licensing system for rental cars. Rental car companies will be required to obtain a license from the zuständigen Verkehrsbehörde (responsible transport authority) in order to operate. This license will be granted if the company meets certain requirements, such as having sufficient financial resources and a clean safety record.
The draft law also includes provisions to regulate the pricing of rental cars. Rental car companies will be required to display their prices prominently and in a manner that is easily understandable to consumers. In addition, rental car companies will be prohibited from engaging in predatory pricing practices.
The BMVI has also proposed changes to the regulations governing the operation of taxis. Taxis will be required to use taximeters that are calibrated according to official standards. In addition, taxis will be prohibited from picking up passengers at designated rental car pick-up points.
The draft law has been met with mixed reactions from the industry. Taxi companies have welcomed the proposed changes, arguing that they will help to create a more level playing field for taxis and rental cars. Rental car companies, on the other hand, have expressed concerns about the new licensing requirements and the restrictions on pricing.
The BMVI has stated that it is open to feedback on the draft law and that it will make changes as necessary before submitting the final version to the Bundestag (German parliament) for approval.
Background
The issue of fair competition between taxis and rental cars has been a source of debate in Germany for several years. Rental car companies have argued that they are unfairly disadvantaged by the regulations governing taxis. Taxi companies, on the other hand, have argued that rental car companies are engaging in unfair competition by offering lower prices and evading regulations.
The BMVI has been working on the draft law for several months. The ministry has consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, including taxi companies, rental car companies, and consumer groups.
Significance
The draft law is significant because it represents a major step towards creating a level playing field for taxis and rental cars. The new regulations will help to protect consumers from predatory pricing practices and ensure that they have access to safe and reliable transportation services.
Grundlage für fairen Wettbewerb zwischen Taxi und Mietwagen
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Kurzmeldungen (hib) a new article on 2024-10-28 09:42 titled “Grundlage für fairen Wettbewerb zwischen Taxi und Mietwagen”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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