Vienna Taxi Guild Demands Stricter Controls Against Illegal Drivers
In Vienna, approximately 6,000 taxis are active daily. According to Ekrem Gönültas, the chairman of the taxi guild, service, customer safety, and cleanliness are essential criteria for operation. The city has stipulated in the government program that it will strengthen the control of minimum standards regarding vehicles and the enforcement of passenger rights in the future.
Demand for Stricter Control from Vienna Taxi Guild
The taxi guild is also calling for an expansion of controls. This particularly concerns the valid taxi license and the verification of concessions. The reason for this is the increase in illegal drivers who operate through ride-hailing platforms at dumping prices and without legal security for customers. These platforms often act only as intermediaries and are thus not bound by the applicable regulations. While drivers and taxi companies are legally obliged to comply with the rules, the platforms evade this responsibility.
Legal Risks for Taxi Customers
The absence of a valid taxi license also poses legal risks for passengers. In the event of an accident, customers could be uninsured, endangering their safety. The taxi industry is therefore faced with the challenge of taking action against these "black sheep," especially since they operate at unfair prices and thus distort competition.
Chamber of Commerce Demands Legal Change
To address the problems, Gönültas emphasizes the need to find a solution in collaboration with authorities and reputable ride-hailing services. The taxi guild is calling for an amendment to the Occasional Traffic Act so that the intermediary platforms are also held accountable.
Tips for Identifying Legal Taxis
An important feature for identifying licensed taxis is the specific license plates. Legal taxis in Vienna must end with "TX," "ATX," "BTX," or "CTX," which can help customers ensure they are choosing a properly licensed vehicle.
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This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.