Taxi Drivers in Paris Protest Against New Regulatory Changes
Taxi unions block access to key train stations in Paris amid dissatisfaction with proposed tariff adjustments.
Taxi drivers in Paris organized significant protests on Wednesday, blocking access to major train stations including Gare de Lyon and Gare du Nord.
The protests were spearheaded by members of the taxi unions, including Abdel Heouamel, who emphasized the need to be heard amidst growing economic concerns.
Participants urged non-striking colleagues to join the demonstration, encouraging them to turn off their 'lumineux', the light indicating taxi availability.
The taxi protests began earlier in the week, with a large mobilization centered at Boulevard Raspail, near government ministries.
The drivers are specifically protesting against a new tariff proposal put forth by the French National Health Insurance Fund (Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie, or CNAM), which affects reimbursements for patient transport services that are crucial for many taxi drivers’ revenues.
Transport costs for medical purposes have escalated significantly, reaching €6.74 billion in 2024, with €3.07 billion accrued by contracted taxis—a figure that has increased by 45% since 2019. For numerous drivers, particularly in smaller towns, trips to hospitals and medical offices constitute a principal source of income.
One taxi driver from Lyon expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed changes, noting that it could result in a 60% drop in revenue for him.
The unions' mobilization reflects their belief that the government has underestimated the socio-economic impact of both the new CNAM agreement and the unfair competitive practices within the broader transportation landscape, particularly concerning ride-hailing services like Uber.
The taxi unions have secured a meeting scheduled for Saturday with the Minister of Transport, where they plan to demand the withdrawal of the CNAM's new convention and the appointment of a mediator.
In a prior statement, government spokesperson Sophie Primas indicated that the government would not reverse the tariff plan, asserting that it was necessary to achieve savings of between €100 million and €150 million on a total budget of €6.3 billion.
Primas emphasized the importance of maintaining access to health care services for the public, insisting that the focus should be on optimizing transport operations without compromising service quality.
The head of the health insurance body has also stated that the forthcoming changes to the pricing system, effective October 1, will be 'financially viable' for drivers and sustainable for the health care budget.
The tension between taxi drivers and law enforcement was reported to have escalated during the protests, with additional strife arising from competition with ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has called for increased regulation and monitoring of the VTC (Voiture de Transport Avec Chauffeur) market, which taxi drivers accuse of engaging in unfair practices.
In response to ongoing disputes, Retailleau underscored the need for stricter enforcement of regulations against VTC drivers who may be operating illegally.
A recent memorandum from the Interior Ministry highlighted recurring tensions, instructing local authorities to issue new fines for illegal taxi services and non-compliance with VTC registration requirements.
These enforcement measures are currently being piloted in twelve jurisdictions, including Paris.
The protests were spearheaded by members of the taxi unions, including Abdel Heouamel, who emphasized the need to be heard amidst growing economic concerns.
Participants urged non-striking colleagues to join the demonstration, encouraging them to turn off their 'lumineux', the light indicating taxi availability.
The taxi protests began earlier in the week, with a large mobilization centered at Boulevard Raspail, near government ministries.
The drivers are specifically protesting against a new tariff proposal put forth by the French National Health Insurance Fund (Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie, or CNAM), which affects reimbursements for patient transport services that are crucial for many taxi drivers’ revenues.
Transport costs for medical purposes have escalated significantly, reaching €6.74 billion in 2024, with €3.07 billion accrued by contracted taxis—a figure that has increased by 45% since 2019. For numerous drivers, particularly in smaller towns, trips to hospitals and medical offices constitute a principal source of income.
One taxi driver from Lyon expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed changes, noting that it could result in a 60% drop in revenue for him.
The unions' mobilization reflects their belief that the government has underestimated the socio-economic impact of both the new CNAM agreement and the unfair competitive practices within the broader transportation landscape, particularly concerning ride-hailing services like Uber.
The taxi unions have secured a meeting scheduled for Saturday with the Minister of Transport, where they plan to demand the withdrawal of the CNAM's new convention and the appointment of a mediator.
In a prior statement, government spokesperson Sophie Primas indicated that the government would not reverse the tariff plan, asserting that it was necessary to achieve savings of between €100 million and €150 million on a total budget of €6.3 billion.
Primas emphasized the importance of maintaining access to health care services for the public, insisting that the focus should be on optimizing transport operations without compromising service quality.
The head of the health insurance body has also stated that the forthcoming changes to the pricing system, effective October 1, will be 'financially viable' for drivers and sustainable for the health care budget.
The tension between taxi drivers and law enforcement was reported to have escalated during the protests, with additional strife arising from competition with ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has called for increased regulation and monitoring of the VTC (Voiture de Transport Avec Chauffeur) market, which taxi drivers accuse of engaging in unfair practices.
In response to ongoing disputes, Retailleau underscored the need for stricter enforcement of regulations against VTC drivers who may be operating illegally.
A recent memorandum from the Interior Ministry highlighted recurring tensions, instructing local authorities to issue new fines for illegal taxi services and non-compliance with VTC registration requirements.
These enforcement measures are currently being piloted in twelve jurisdictions, including Paris.
