The topic of sustainability and the shift to electric vehicles is in line with the policy agendas of both the municipality of Eindhoven and the airport itself, which have been committed to green mobility for some time.
According to the regional newspaper Het Eindhovens Dagblad, taxi drivers in Eindhoven have great effort with the speed at which Eindhoven Airport wants to implement the sustainability of taxi transport. From 1 January 2025, sixty percent of the taxis driving at the airport must be electric. This means that more than half of the vehicles that currently run on fossil fuels must make way for electric or hybrid models. For some taxi drivers, however, this obligation comes too soon, and they feel overwhelmed by the strict deadline.
The agreement to green taxi transport was already made three years ago when Eindhoven Airport appointed a new coordinator to regulate transport. It was already clear then that major steps had to be taken from 2025 to improve the air quality in and around the airport. By 2028, only emission-free taxis would be allowed to drive at the airport. This plan fits in seamlessly with the general trend of greening public transport and the policy of the municipality of Eindhoven, which is aimed at reducing emissions in the region.
sustainable
The municipality has been clear about its intentions to make mobility more sustainable in the past. Back in 2019, it announced that from 2026 onwards, only electric vehicles will be allowed to enter the environmental zone in Eindhoven, a measure that taxi drivers cannot be unfamiliar with. Nevertheless, some drivers complain about the speed at which these measures are now becoming reality. Some have recently invested in diesel vehicles and feel that they do not have enough time to earn back that investment.
A taxi driver affected by the sustainability measures at Eindhoven Airport disputes the proposed deadline of 2025 to the reporter of the regional newspaper and believes the municipality will never meet that date. According to him, the electric car market is simply not ready for it.
Still, experts point out that the electric taxi market has been prepared for this transition for some time. In recent years, the supply of electric vehicles for the taxi industry has grown significantly, thanks in part to government subsidies and incentives to promote zero-emission mobility. Major automakers now offer several models specifically aimed at professional taxi transport, including longer-range options and fast-charging capabilities designed to meet the demands of everyday urban driving.
wheelchair buses
What is lagging behind is the supply of electric wheelchair buses, an essential part of taxi transport for people with disabilities. This segment of the market is indeed struggling to keep pace with the growing demand for electric transport. Wheelchair buses require adaptations and specific technologies to ensure both accessibility and safety, and these developments are slower than those for regular taxis. This creates additional challenges for transporters who specialize in offering services for people with disabilities, as they may need more time and resources to upgrade their vehicles.
However, it is clear that the sustainability of mobility should not come as a surprise. Green mobility has been high on the agenda of almost every municipality in the Netherlands for years. For Eindhoven, it has been a spearhead for a long time, partly due to the ambition to become a model city in the field of sustainability. Postponing these measures therefore no longer seems a feasible option. Nevertheless, many drivers fear the financial consequences. Purchasing an electric taxi requires a substantial investment, and although subsidies are available, not everyone convinced that these are sufficient to make the transition financially feasible.
naive
Taxi drivers who have not yet prepared for sustainability seem to be lagging behind. An investment in a diesel car at this time is even considered “naive” by some experts. “Anyone who is a little aware of what is happening in the market knows that you should no longer invest in fossil fuels,” says a spokesperson from the taxi industry. “The rules are clear. Anyone who still buys a diesel now has not kept up with the news.”
Despite the resistance of some taxi drivers, it remains clear that the sustainability of taxi transport is inevitable. Eindhoven Airport has already announced that it will stick to the 2025 deadline and sees little room for relaxation of the rules. The coming months will be crucial for drivers who still have to adapt to the new requirements.
