Taxi drivers plan protest against 'unfair' competition

Brussels taxi drivers are planning to protest in the capital on Thursday (14 November) against a decline in working conditions and wages as a result of what they describe as "unfair" competition from Uber and Bolt, the Belgian Association of Limousine Drivers (ABCL) has announced.

ABCL cites “an unprecedented drop in revenue” and calls for “a favourable environment and conditions” at a time when “most traditional taxi drivers are on the brink of bankruptcy”.

Drivers are calling for legislation to be amended to restore the balance between traditional taxis and rideshare platforms such as Uber and Bolt.

They want a minimum rate, excluding commission, with fare adjustments for nights or holidays. ABCL also wants the future Brussels government to look again at introducing a cap on commission rates for taxi platforms such as Uber.

Drivers also want separate stands - designated waiting zones or pick-up spots - for traditional taxis and just one statute to apply to both traditional taxis and rideshare drivers in Brussels.

The ABCL also endorses rideshare drivers’ demand that the postponement of the low-emissions zone in Brussels until 1 January 2027 should also apply to taxis. For now, the postponement would not apply to taxi vehicles, which would have to be 100% electric from 1 January 2025.

The 14 November demonstration will start at Avenue Louis Schmidt in Etterbeek, where Uber's Brussels headquarters is located. A procession of taxis will move towards Place Poelaert, and later the Brussels parliament.