Global taxi industry calls for ‘same service, same rules’

The call for “same service, same rules” for the taxi industry united participants from around the world at IRU’s 7th International Taxi Forum, which took place during the European Taximesse trade fair in Cologne.

Hubert Andela, President of IRU’s Taxi Group said, “IRU is the global body that represents the passenger transport sector. The debates that took place during the IRU International Taxi Forum clearly demonstrate that the taxi sector is focusing on continuously improving its service to customers. Some countries are rethinking how mobility services should be regulated. Changes can best be agreed together with representatives from businesses and their workers. The joint goal should be an innovative, fair, socially acceptable, environmentally friendly mobility ecosystem.”

At the IRU International Taxi Forum, the focus was on the latest trends and developments impacting the sector. Speakers highlighted the challenges and opportunities that new technology is bringing to taxi service providers and their customers and discussed how regulation is crucial to creating a fair, competitive environment for the industry – globally.

The Forum also examined demands for cleaner vehicles, new ways of ordering and delivering mobility services and how these developments are providing exciting business growth, with still more potential to be unlocked.

The international audience offered unique insight into industry practice across different world regions. Representatives from Finland, for example, showcased how authorities and industry can work together towards a joint vision for mobility as a service.

Sonila Metushi, who leads IRU’s work on taxis said, “Bringing together so many taxi representatives from around the world has significantly added to the debates on the future direction of the taxi industry. Clearly the sector is undergoing major change, but with that comes huge new potential for growth. I have no doubt that the industry will continue to rise to that challenge, and IRU is best placed to lead towards that direction.”

With unprecedented attendance, the Forum was the most successful to date, welcoming more than 300 participants, firmly establishing it as the go-to networking event during Europe’s largest taxi-focused trade fair. For the first time, IRU also had a major presence in the taxi exhibition. IRU’s stand welcomed hundreds of visitors over the course of the two day trade fair.