The Green Party and the SPD/Volt faction in the city council are pushing for minimum fares to be introduced for ride-hailing services. This proposal has sparked significant criticism from the affected providers.
Uber and Bolt Become Popular Alternatives in Munich
Not only taxis but also services like Uber and Bolt have established themselves as convenient alternatives to traditional taxis in Munich. The app-based services are particularly popular because, unlike taxis, they don’t require a minimum fare. However, this practice may soon change, as city authorities are considering imposing minimum fares on Uber and similar services. This has led to a wave of negative reactions from the industry.
Minimum Fares: Green Party, SPD, and Volt Push for Taxi-Like Pricing
Currently, taxis in Munich have a base fare of €5.90 and a per-kilometer charge of €2.70, which were set by the city administration. This makes Munich one of the most expensive cities for taxi rides in Germany and Europe. In contrast, Uber and Bolt rides are generally much cheaper, mainly because they do not have a base fare. For example, a ride from Großhadern Hospital to Harlaching currently costs €21.67 on Uber, partially due to the absence of a base fare.
However, the Green Party, SPD, and Volt have called for this to change. They are advocating for a minimum transport fee for rental cars provided via platforms like Uber and Bolt. A proposal on this will be discussed in Munich’s administrative committee on April 29. It is expected that a base fare of €5.42 and a per-kilometer charge of €2.60 will be proposed.
Criticism of Ride-Hailing Services: Violations and Environmental Concerns
In a joint statement on April 4, 2025, the Green Party and SPD/Volt justified their demand with several factors. One central issue is the impact of rental cars on traffic, as these vehicles often drive aimlessly around the city looking for passengers. This leads to traffic jams, congested streets, and higher emissions. Additionally, they noted that vital parking spaces are being blocked by these vehicles.
The Munich District Administration (KVR) also criticized the behavior of the rental car companies. According to a statement from the KVR, many providers in the so-called taxi-like rental car service systematically violate legal obligations, such as return requirements and record-keeping. Labor and social law violations, including non-compliance with the minimum wage law, are also frequently noted.
Political Goals: Fair Competition and Environmental Protection
Micky Wenngatz, a councilor from the SPD/Volt faction and deputy chairwoman of the taxi commission, explained the rationale behind the proposal: “With a minimum transport fee, we create fairer competition conditions while also contributing to more sustainable and less polluting urban transport.”
Uber Warns of Drastic Price Hikes
Uber has responded sharply to the proposal. The company stated that fares for rides through the Uber app would increase by an average of 45% due to the minimum fare policy. Uber Germany explained that this would lead to unnecessary and burdensome increases in living costs, particularly for those who rely on affordable individual mobility, such as for doctor’s appointments. Christoph Weigler, Uber’s CEO for Germany, urged politicians to find a socially responsible solution for citizens.
The national association wirfahren, an initiative representing rental car services, also voiced concerns. In a statement, the group argued that the introduction of minimum fares would encourage more individual car use and significantly hinder Munich’s shift toward more sustainable transportation.
How Much More Expensive Could Uber Rides in Munich Become?
If the proposed minimum fare is approved by the Munich administrative committee on April 29, Uber customers in the city will face substantial price increases. According to Uber, the average fare would rise by about €12. For instance, a ride from Großhadern Hospital to Harlaching would cost €31.42, an increase of €9.75. A ride from Moosach to the Allianz Arena would cost €36.62, up €10.83 from the current price.
The final decision of the administrative committee remains to be seen. (jr)
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