Until now, the requirements only existed for taxi drivers, which disadvantageed them compared to the Uber drivers who are registered as VVB drivers. Brussels will soon also introduce compulsory and periodically renewable driver card for VVB drivers, including conditions such as submitting a blank criminal record.
Candidate drivers must undergo a psychological test and pass an exam, on which there is a draft decision. The new requirements are intended to bring the conditions for access to the profession of vvb drivers (driver within the rental of vehicles with driver) to an equivalent level to what is currently imposed on Brussels taxi drivers.
GTL extension reacts positively but fears that a more thorough reform will still be necessary to create a level playing field between the 'ubers' and the taxis. About 1000 VVB vehicles licensed in Wallonia currently operate in Brussels, in addition to approximately 1100 VVB vehicles with a Brussels license.
shop platforms to get around rules
Platforms such as Uber go shopping in the other regions to circumvent the Brussels rules. As a result, the Brussels Region has largely lost its control over the functioning of the taxi market. To remedy this, an amendment to the Brussels ordinance is absolutely necessary. This is the only way to create order and peace on the Brussels taxi market.
The Prime Ministers of the Brussels Region (Vervoort) and of Wallonia (Di Rupo) recently expressed their intention to strive for a harmonized taxi reform for both regions. It is still unclear what their concrete plans are. The Brussels government is still waiting for the results of a socio-economic study on the taxi sector, which is currently in its final phase.
Also read: Permits reserved for electric taxis in Ghent
