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For 2023, the calculation results in an LTI of 7,24%.

The maximum rates for taxi transport were determined by a regulation of the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management Vivianne Heijnen announced and on December 27, 2022 published to amend the Maximum Tariff Regulation and publication of taxi fares in connection with the indexation for the year 2023.

indexation

Since 2010, the maximum rates for taxi transport are indexed annually. As of 1 January 2017, this will be done on the basis of the National Tariff Index (LTI). The reason for this is the evaluation of the rate structure in the taxi sector, about which the House of Representatives was informed by letter dated 16 June 2016. For 2023, the calculation results in an LTI of 7,24%.

This means that the fixed amounts, the amounts per kilometer and the amounts per minute are increased by this. The same applies to the rate that the carrier, if agreed with the consumer, may charge for the waiting period at the start of the journey. The rates are determined by applying the LTI to the unrounded maximum rates of 2022. This prevents the maximum rates from actually rising less over the years than would be justified on the basis of the index.

entrance fee

In summary, the new rates for taxi transport as of 1 January 2023 after indexation are a starting rate of €3,60, a kilometer rate of €2,65 and a minute rate of €0,44. If the transport takes place in a car equipped for the transport of five to eight persons and in which at least five persons are actually present, not including the driver, or, equipped for the transport of one or more persons, sitting in a wheelchair, the maximum rates for the starting rate are: € 7,33, the kilometer rate is then € 3,34 and the minute rate becomes € 0,49.

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compliance burdens

If taxi operators opt to adjust their rates on the basis of the new (indexed) maximum rates, this may result in compliance costs. These charges are related to actions such as adjusting the taximeter (or having it adjusted), downloading, printing and completing new rate cards and replacing rate cards inside and outside the taxi vehicle.

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For 2023, the calculation results in an LTI of 7,24%.

Everyone was given the opportunity to respond to a draft of this regulation by means of internet consultation. This complies with Article 106 of the Passenger Transport Act 2000 (hereinafter: Wp 2000). Four reactions were received to the draft regulation, two of which were public. The main points of this are presented below.

KNV

The response from, among others, Royal Dutch Transport (KNV) argued for indexation with the so-called NEA cost development index, since this would be most tailored to the taxi sector, and for the abolition of the statutory maximum rates because they would not be appropriate for a liberalized market. It should be emphasized that the maximum rates do not apply to contracted transport and to taxi transport that is offered at a fixed rate per trip that has been agreed in advance with the passenger. Moreover, this scheme only regulates annual indexation and does not envisage any changes to the existing rate structure. Regulating maximum fares is an important means of protecting particularly vulnerable consumers, such as the elderly and tourists, when they take a taxi on the street.

In one response, attention was drawn to travel allowances for citizens, the deductible costs for travel hours, etc., but that falls outside the scope of this scheme. KNV noted that the Regulation on maximum tariffs and publication of tariffs for taxi transport should also be included in the forthcoming evaluation of the taxi chapter of the Wp2000. Since all taxi regulations related to the Wp2000 are included in this evaluation, this will also be the case for this regulation.

Read also  Digital revolution in the taxi market requires stricter rules

In response to a comment from KNV about the numbers of taxi vehicles stated in this regulation, this number has been adjusted in the final regulation. This regulation now assumes 41.000 vehicles instead of 33.000 taxi vehicles.

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Portrait of State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, Vivianne Heijnen. - Image: Valerie Kuypers
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