Taxis in Thuringia: Halved of the number and impending supply bottlenecks!

Taxis in Thuringia: Halved of the number and impending supply bottlenecks!

Thüringen, Deutschland - The taxi situation in Thuringia is worried by many residents. Because the number of taxis has more than halved in the past 30 years. Currently only about 800 taxis are still in use in Thuringia, while there are still around 1,600 in 1992. The decline in rural areas is particularly serious, where taking taxis is essential for many people. Even in cities, longer waiting times are no longer uncommon, as reported. reported.

Why are there fewer and fewer taxi drivers? A central reason for the decline is the lack of drivers, which leads to a lower number of trips. The result is higher prices and a significant decline in available mobility. The State Association of Thuringia of the traffic trade (LTV) suggests that serious care problems could be pending, especially when visiting hospital.

Mobility in rural areas

To meet this challenge, the LTV has thrown a new concept in the ring. Taxis should take over the less used routes of local public transport, where large buses are simply uneconomical. The goal is to bundle trips through a digital system, perhaps via the app and thus optimize the occupancy. This innovative idea could be a crucial step to strengthen the taxi as part of general interest in rural areas. According to Federal Association Taxi This is a central aspect for the quality of life in many areas.

The amendment to the Passenger Transport Act (PBefG) of 2021 offers new potential. It leads to updated forms of traffic, such as call -up collecting taxis and line needs, which could replace uneconomical bus lines. A study by the Association of German Transport Companies estimates nationwide needs on around 50,000 vehicles that are required for such forms of traffic. Herwig Kollar, President of the Federal Association of Taxi and Mietwagen e.V., encouraged the taxi and rental car companies to actively observe these developments and create appropriate offers. Because at the bundled needs of needs, cheaper conditions could be offered than with traditional public services, which in turn could represent good business.

claims for funding

The constant problematization of the inadequate taxi supply in rural regions mandatory. The Federal Association of Taxi is of the opinion that a favorable and comprehensive supply of mobility offers is not only a question of quality of life, but also a fundamental right for the citizens. However, it should be pointed out that rental cars do not meet the same requirements with drivers as taxis.

As part of this reform, sharing journeys in rural regions could be a key to improving mobility. So far, however, the concept of sharing in the PBefG has been inadequate. There is a need for action here. In order to cover the local needs, municipalities should define how many vehicles are needed and which tariffs apply.