SPD rejects uniform minimum price for Uber and similar services.
In a surprising turn of events, the SPD faction in the District Administration Committee has withdrawn its support for the resolution to introduce a minimum price for ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt in Munich. This move has cast uncertainty over the plans to equalize prices between taxis and ride-hailing services.
The idea of a minimum price was initially proposed to ensure fairness for taxi drivers, who have been complaining about competition from significantly cheaper ride-hailing services for years. The goal was to make sure these services charged at least the same price as taxis. However, the exact amount proposed as the minimum price remains unclear.
The withdrawal of the SPD's support does not affect the previous plans for the minimum price to be implemented. The decision to equalize prices is now dependent on upcoming negotiations in the town hall. A final decision on whether and how to equalize prices is expected within a year, but this timeline may change due to the current uncertainty.
The rental car drivers, who rely on cheap alternatives to taxis, have been vocal in their criticism of a minimum price. They argue that such a measure would burden them heavily and deter many customers. Protests from these drivers in the city center have been a regular occurrence, with a demonstration at Odeonsplatz on Thursday expressing their anger with honking, posters, and a demonstration.
Despite the protests, for now, Uber and other ride-hailing services can continue to operate cheaper than taxis in Munich. The vote in the town hall to introduce a minimum price for ride-hailing services has been postponed.
The goal of creating fairer conditions for the taxi industry remains a goal, but its achievement is now dependent on the outcome of the upcoming negotiations in the town hall. The ongoing competition between the taxi industry and ride-hailing services continues unchanged for now.
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The ongoing debate about policy-and-legislation regarding the ride-hailing industry in Munich, particularly politics surrounding a minimum price for Uber and Bolt, continues to evolve. The decision to equalize prices between taxis and ride-hailing services now hinges on upcoming negotiations in the town hall.
The withdrawal of the SPD faction's support for the minimum price resolution has added uncertainty to the general-news landscape, raising questions about whether and how the goal of creating fairer conditions for the taxi industry will be achieved.
