New taxi plan paves way for legalisation of Uber

Pascal Smet, mobility minister of the Brussels-Capital Region, has unveiled a proposal for taxi services that could pave the way for ride-sharing service Uber to operate legally for the first time.

Smet’s “taxi plan” has not yet been approved but has already come under fire from the capital’s approved taxi companies. The companies consider Uber to be unfair competition: Uber drivers are not licensed and do not have to comply with the strict regulations governing Brussels’ official taxi drivers. In addition, prices are lower than the government-regulated tariffs.

“The plan imposes more obligations on the official taxi services but at the same time leaves the door open for other operators who have far fewer rules to comply with,” Taxis Verts said in a statement. “In any case, the conditions would be impossible to enforce.”

The plan would oblige Uber to use only drivers over the age of 21 who have had a clean driving record for at least three years and who obtain a certificate of good conduct from the police. They must also be registered as a taxi driver or as self-employed.

Uber would be responsible for insurance for customers and for the state of the vehicle. Ride-sharing services could only be offered via the Uber app, and payment only accepted electronically. Uber vehicles would not be able to use bus lanes or taxi ranks.

Smet has turned his proposal over to the government, which could amend it before proposing it as legislation. Taxi Verts representatives have threatened industrial actions such as those held in Brussels near the end of last year, which closed down some main arteries and crippled traffic, if their concerns are not addressed.

photo courtesy Taxis Verts