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No they can't. In Germany Taxus have a lot of regulation. Among other things: Fixed prices approved by city councils (I.e. no extra charges in times of high dem

No they can't. In Germany Taxus have a lot of regulation. Among other things: Fixed prices approved by city councils (I.e. no extra charges in times of high demand), "Beförderungspflicht" (the driver can't easily deny a trip, even when goinh just round the corner), taxi operators have to ensure providing "enough" round the clock service and a few such more things Reason is to ensure taxis are a reliable part of pulic transit systems. You can make the "Personenbeförderugsschein" which allows to do "shuttle services" but compared to taxis they can't randomly pick up passengers but I.e. have to return to their base before picking up the next passenger, no waiting at a "strategically" good position etc.

kuschku 11y ago
I never claimed they could operate as Taxi, but in the way they planned to operated. And a Personenbeförderungsschein is the only thing you need for that. In some cities even the only differences between a hired service like Uber or a Taxi is that Uber may NOT use Taxi-only spaces, and may only pick up people who have arranged the journey before pickup. Which is exactly what uber wants.
- seanmcdirmid 11y ago
  Also, to say, if the city allowed chauffeurs before Uber arrived, and decides that Uber should be regulated as a taxi, they must force those existing businesses to register as well, or create special onerous laws to make a distinction.
  - germanier 11y ago
    Firstly, the drivers should get a license to drive people around for profit (Personenbeförderungsschein). Every chauffeur has that. Secondly, under current regulations unless you are a taxi you need to return to a designated premise after every trip. Every chauffeur needs to do that as well. There is already a meaningful distinction in the law. The second restriction might be a bit harsh, but often Uber isn't even abiding by the first which is a pretty basic requirement.
    - seanmcdirmid 11y ago
      Well, the second regulation would definitely disallow things like Uber. The first regulation is quite reasonable, but I don't see why it is Uber's responsibility to ensure compliance when all of its drivers are independent contractors. At some point, if people lie about their insurance status, they should be found out and punished.
      - kuschku 11y ago
        Because, as courts in Germany and California have ruled, Uber drivers are not independent contractors. Scheinselbstständigkeit is what Uber is doing, and it means Uber is responsible for the insurance.

kuschku 11y ago

I never claimed they could operate as Taxi, but in the way they planned to operated. And a Personenbeförderungsschein is the only thing you need for that. In some cities even the only differences between a hired service like Uber or a Taxi is that Uber may NOT use Taxi-only spaces, and may only pick up people who have arranged the journey before pickup. Which is exactly what uber wants.

seanmcdirmid 11y ago
Also, to say, if the city allowed chauffeurs before Uber arrived, and decides that Uber should be regulated as a taxi, they must force those existing businesses to register as well, or create special onerous laws to make a distinction.
- germanier 11y ago
  Firstly, the drivers should get a license to drive people around for profit (Personenbeförderungsschein). Every chauffeur has that. Secondly, under current regulations unless you are a taxi you need to return to a designated premise after every trip. Every chauffeur needs to do that as well. There is already a meaningful distinction in the law. The second restriction might be a bit harsh, but often Uber isn't even abiding by the first which is a pretty basic requirement.
  - seanmcdirmid 11y ago
    Well, the second regulation would definitely disallow things like Uber. The first regulation is quite reasonable, but I don't see why it is Uber's responsibility to ensure compliance when all of its drivers are independent contractors. At some point, if people lie about their insurance status, they should be found out and punished.
    - kuschku 11y ago
      Because, as courts in Germany and California have ruled, Uber drivers are not independent contractors. Scheinselbstständigkeit is what Uber is doing, and it means Uber is responsible for the insurance.