Minimum Fare Plan of Uber and Others Suspended Temporarily in Munich - Uber and related companies scrap plans for minimum fare rates in Munich initially
In the heart of Germany, the city of Munich is embroiled in a heated debate over the introduction of minimum prices for ride-hailing services. This move aims to address concerns about fair competition and working conditions in the mobility sector, particularly among traditional taxi drivers who feel they are facing unfair competition from unregulated platforms like Uber and Bolt.
The proposed minimum prices, if approved, would affect these popular ride-hailing services, a development that is not met with universal approval. Uber and Bolt have expressed their opposition to the idea, citing potential increased costs for consumers and the inability of such measures to save the taxi industry.
Christoph Hahn, the head of Bolt in Germany, has openly rejected minimum price policies, arguing that they would not benefit the taxi industry but rather push consumers back to using their own cars. This stance has been echoed by the Industry and Trade Chamber (IHK) for Munich and Upper Bavaria, which has also criticised the change of course.
However, the taxi drivers of Munich have thrown their support behind the minimum pricing proposal. They argue that it is necessary to level the playing field and ensure fair competition for all players in the mobility sector.
This debate is not unique to Munich. Similar discussions are taking place in other German cities, such as Heidelberg and Berlin, where taxi drivers have already demonstrated for stricter rules against Uber and co. In mid-July, taxi drivers in around a dozen cities staged long processions to advocate for stricter regulations.
Broader concerns exist in the German platform economy regarding fair working conditions for drivers and couriers working for these services. The Fairwork project’s 2025 report criticises precarious working conditions, including low pay, tight time pressures, and lack of employee rights. Although not Uber and Bolt-specific, these issues underscore ongoing challenges surrounding labor standards in German cities, including Munich.
Green city councilor Elisabeth Stoehr has criticised the amendment proposal, calling it a "slap in the face" for the taxi industry and those who advocate for fair wages and social standards. Despite this, the city's administration is to be commissioned to work out an agreement with companies like Uber and Bolt, which should include a minimum price, a maximum price for trips, minimum fees for drivers, and better transparency.
The deadline for this project is set until the end of June 2026. The amendment proposal still needs to be approved by the city council on Wednesday. The city's mayor, Dieter Reiter, has called on Uber and co to ensure fair working conditions for their drivers, while the Green Party defends the change of course, stating they tried to find a solution at the round table without success.
Platform Freenow has criticised the city's decision, stating they missed a unique opportunity to set an example for reliability, social responsibility, and modern competition. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the mobility sector in Munich and potentially across Germany.
References: 1. München will Mindestpreise für Uber und Co einführen 2. Uber und Bolt lehnen Mindestpreise für Fahrten in München ab 3. München will Mindestpreise für Uber und Co einführen – Taxifahrer protestieren 4. Mindestpreise für Fahrten in München: Taxifahrer protestieren 5. Fairwork-Projekt kritisiert Precarious Arbeitsverhältnisse in der Platform-Wirtschaft
- The city of Munich's proposed minimum prices for ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Bolt, could be influenced by the community's and city council's employment policy, aimed at addressing concerns about fair competition and working conditions in the mobility sector.
- The ongoing debate about minimum prices for ride-hailing services in Munich highlights the intersection of technology and general-news, as the decision could significantly impact the mobility sector and potentially set a precedent for other cities in Germany.
