Heidelberg introduces minimum tariffs for Uber and Co.

Heidelberg is the only major city in Germany to introduce minimum rates for Uber and other car rental providers. From now on, prices for rides with rental cars may only be a maximum of 7.5 percent below the rates set for cab drivers, as confirmed by a city spokesperson. Previously, "Uber rides" were around 35 percent cheaper. "The ruling is necessary to prevent dumping prices in the hire car sector - regardless of whether it is platform-based or not."

Uber criticized the decision. "Of course this is a black day for consumers," said a spokesperson. People on low incomes in particular would no longer be able to afford rides, it said in a statement.

Ride from the train station to the castle for 9 euros instead of 25 euros

An example: Uber previously charged 9 euros for a ride from the main train station in Heidelberg to the world-famous castle, which takes around 15 minutes. By cab, on the other hand, passengers have to pay up to 25 euros, according to the cab office.

In Heidelberg, a city of 155,000 inhabitants, there are 162 licensed cab drivers, according to the administration. In contrast, there are 95 vehicles operated by 18 companies that are organized via Uber. The city sees the cab industry as part of public services and therefore as an "asset particularly worthy of protection". The rates for cab rides are set by the municipality itself, as is usual in Germany.

Federal Taxi Association hopes for imitator cities

The Federal Taxi Association refers to more than 20 major cities that have comparable problems with "dumping services". "We urge all affected cities in Germany to follow Heidelberg's example," said Managing Director Michael Oppermann. "We need the minimum prices, because we can only hold our own in fair competition."

The federal association "Wir fahren", on the other hand, announced that it would support affected car rental companies in taking legal action against the decision. According to the association, Heidelberg is the only major city in Germany with such a requirement.

Leipzig backs down, Munich decides against it

The city of Leipzig had also temporarily set minimum rates for car rental companies such as Uber. However, following a legal dispute, the municipality retroactively revoked the corresponding order at the end of May. The district of Lörrach in south-western Baden-Württemberg also introduced a similar regulation in 2022. However, according to its own information, Uber is not represented there. Munich only spoke out against minimum prices for rental car journeys this week for the time being.