Olympic Games Taxi Turmoil: Paris licensed taxi driver earnings slump prompting claim for compensation

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, initially seen as a golden opportunity, have turned into a substantial challenge for Parisian taxi drivers with a reported loss of earnings standing at around 50%.

In a letter addressed to Patrice Vergriete, Minister for Transport, representatives from major taxi federations have outlined the severe impact on their industry.

The letter highlights the extensive preparation and commitment by taxi drivers to support the influx of tourists, projected to be around 15 million, expected for the event. Despite enduring prolonged periods of roadworks, closures, and reduced clientele due to holidays and remote working, the taxi sector finds itself struggling with a significant drop in demand and operational challenges since the Games commenced.

From spring, taxi drivers faced a notable reduction in activity due to early construction and the privatisation of key event locations such as Stade de France and Parc des Princes. This trend extended to other regions, notably around Marseille, where cruise ship visitors avoided the area to escape congestion.

Initiatives encouraging city residents to either holiday or work from home further depleted the taxi customer base.

The establishment of security perimeters and the closure of numerous taxi ranks within red and blue zones severely restricted operations. There have been instances where taxis were denied access to these zones, contrary to prior agreements.

Taxi drivers say they hold Authorisation of Stationing (Licences) that delineate specific operational areas. The extensive privatisation by the Olympic Committee is a said to have profoundly disrupted these zones, particularly around key venues and popular districts such as the "golden triangle" in central Paris. This exclusion has resulted in a significant loss of business over several months.

The letter stresses that, despite their resilience and readiness to contribute to the Games, taxi drivers now face critical financial difficulties, with income reductions of up to 50% in some cases. This situation is deemed an abnormal and direct consequence of the Olympic arrangements.

The signatories call for national solidarity to ensure that the financial burdens do not fall solely on the taxi sector. They request that taxi drivers be made eligible for a compensation fund covering the period from March to the end of October 2024. An urgent meeting with government representatives is sought to discuss the specifics of this compensation.

The appeal is signed by leaders of the Fédération Nationale des Artisans du Taxi (FNAT), Fédération Nationale du Taxi (FNDT), Fédération Nationale des Taxis Indépendants (FNTI), Union Nationale des Taxis (UNT), and Union Nationale des Industries du Taxi (UNIT).

Patrice Vergriete has responded on social media, saying: “With the police chief Laurent Nunez, we have made the decision to facilitate the installation and removal of spectators. Taxi and VTC vehicles can now access the red JOP perimeters without restriction.”