Munich, April 29 – In a landmark decision, the Munich City Council’s district administration committee yesterday, and the full assembly today, gave the green light for the introduction of minimum fares for ride-hailing services (Mietwagen) and new taxi tariffs. This move is being hailed by the Munich taxi industry as a pivotal moment in their long-standing fight for fair competition.
A Level Playing Field – Finally
This marks the third attempt to implement minimum fares for ride-hailing services in Munich. After two previous unsuccessful efforts, today’s resolution sends a clear signal. The minimum fare for ride-hailing services will be based on the basic and per-kilometer rates of taxi tariffs, excluding waiting time components and taxi-specific surcharges.
“Today is a good day for Munich – for the taxi industry, but above all for passengers and employees across the entire sector. We have been demanding fair rules for years. A minimum fare is not a special advantage for taxis, but the long-overdue answer to years of wage and social dumping by platform providers,” stated Florian Bachmann of the Munich Taxi Association e.V.
New Taxi Tariffs Create Flexibility
In addition to the minimum fares, the district administration committee also approved adjustments to taxi tariffs. Passengers traveling longer distances are expected to benefit from lower per-kilometer rates in the future. Furthermore, the tariff corridor, which regulates minimum and maximum prices for pre-ordered rides, will be expanded. This increased pricing flexibility aims to boost demand.
“The tariff reform gives us the tools we need to compete – not through dumping prices, but through quality and flexibility. An expanded tariff corridor helps us to respond more attractively to advance bookings and win back customers who have switched to Uber and Bolt,” explained Thomas Kroker of Taxi-München eG.
Broad Support from Business and Politics
Today’s decision is built on a broad coalition of reason. Last year, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Munich and Upper Bavaria had already called for minimum fares for all taxi-like transport services, specifically naming Uber and Bolt. The Munich District Administration Office was also able to substantiate the necessity of the minimum fares with a well-founded data basis. Discussions with platform representatives also showed little willingness to compromise from Uber & Co.
“The taxi is part of public services. We are subject to a duty to transport, we drive at night, we drive in peripheral areas, we pay social security contributions and taxes. Anyone who undermines this with dumping tariffs not only harms us – they harm the entire mobility system of this city,” emphasized Florian Bachmann.
Next Steps
The decision by the district administration committee will be confirmed by the full city council assembly tomorrow.
