Expect significant disruption on the roads as drivers using the Uber app to pick up passengers are protesting in Brussels today. The drivers’ protest is targeted at the companty that operates the Uber taxi hailing service and the Brussels regional government. The drivers who operate via platforms like Uber and Bolt want to receive higher fares and pay less commission. In addition, they are pressing for app drivers and traditional taxi drivers to enjoy one single legal status.
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Disruption expected as Uber and Bolt drivers take their protests to Uber and the Brussels Parliament
Colin Clapson
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At 9 am, the taxi drivers gathered at Uber’s offices in Etterbeek. They are then making their way to the Poelaertplein in the downtown and will continue on foot to the headquarters of the socialist trade union ABVV. They expect to arrive at the Brussels Parliament around 1 pm. Between 2 and 3 pm, the drivers will return to the Poelaertplein to pick up their taxis.
Who are the drivers that operate via platforms like Uber or Bolt?
"These are often people who lease or buy an expensive car at their own expense, drive for Uber or Bolt and hope to earn a full-time income," explains VRT traffic expert Hajo Beekman. But the reality is often different. "The people who are protesting today have actually been tempted by large American companies. 'Buy a nice Mercedes, drive around and earn a nice income', the companies say. But in fact the drivers can barely cover their costs."
The Brussels government today offers almost 3,000 permits and more than 7,000 driver passes. These are passes that allow regular taxis to operate in competition with drivers solely reliant on Uber or Bolt rides for their income. The result is even more supply in a small market.
"There are simply too many drivers for too few customers"
In addition, drivers using apps are unable to earn as much as conventional taxi drivers. For traditional taxis, the rate is 2.30 euros per kilometer. For app drivers, the fare is between 1.5 euros and 3 euros per kilometre. "But platforms like Uber often only offer the minimum rates, and then take a commission on top of that."
Uber drivers are not only demonstrating against the company, but also against the Brussels government. "It’s a bit out of desperation, I think", Hajo says. "They want to pay less commission, but that is something settled between them and Uber of course. I don't see how the Brussels authorities can change that."
Today, drivers are also heading to the socialist ABVV union. According to the Belgian Association of Limousine Drivers (ABCL), the union is supporting the Uber management. The socialist union is surprised, and says it supports the drivers' demands.
The ABCL has 2 demands it’s putting to the Brussels government. The drivers are seeking one single status for regular taxi drivers and those using apps. Conventional taxi drivers can also use apps to attract custom, but Uber drivers cannot operate as regular taxi drivers. The Uber drivers want the Brussels government to step in. Uber drivers also want a higher minimum rate and to pay less commission.
"It is highly unlikely that the Brussels government can change anything about that" says Hajo. "This is actually a rather sad story about people who have made heavy investments and are now in financial trouble."