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.
