Hundreds of taxis protest in Paris against new patient transport tariffs.

Taxi Drivers Protest Against New Health Transport Regulations in Paris

On May 19, 2025, **several hundred taxi drivers** took to the streets, **blocking Boulevard Raspail** near the Ministry of Transport in southern Paris. This protest was centered on new tariff conditions for **health transport** and increasing competition from **VTC (Voitures de Transport avec Chauffeur)**, which includes rideshare services like **Uber**. The demonstration, organized by an inter-union group, called for action throughout France, especially in the capital and Pau, where Prime Minister **François Bayrou** resides.

Taxi drivers expressed their discontent regarding a **new pricing project** mandated by health insurance, affecting transport for patients. Many have raised concerns over the competition from VTC services, asserting the need for the enforcement of laws that restrict such operations. **Emmanuelle Cordier**, the president of the National Taxi Federation (FNDT), vocalized their frustrations, stating: “We will not leave as long as we have not obtained the withdrawal of this agreement.” She added that they have been warning the government for weeks and demanded meetings with relevant ministers, rather than their aides.

Impact of the New Pricing on Taxi Services

According to reports, about **85% of taxis** will be impacted by the new pricing that is anticipated to take effect on **October 1**. The objective behind this pricing scheme, still subject to government approval, is to **control health transport expenditure**, which reached **6.74 billion euros** in 2024. This expenditure includes **3.07 billion euros** allocated specifically for approved taxis, representing a **45% increase since 2019**.

The new compensation structure includes a **care package** and a **kilometric pricing** system aligned with departmental rates. While taxi representatives express willingness to engage in discussions about shared transport and cost optimization, they are demanding that the current project be frozen. They argue that the proposal does not consider significant variables, such as variations in journey times. Currently, approximately **85% of taxis** are involved in conventional patient transport, which can account for up to **90% of their income**, particularly in rural areas.

**Claude Voltzenlogel**, a 48-year-old taxi driver from Bas-Rhin, joined the protest in Paris along with about twenty fellow colleagues, having departed Strasbourg around midnight. He stated: “We will stay for several days if necessary. We prefer to lose a week of turnover than to lose our businesses.” He highlights concerns that the new health insurance pricing might reduce his turnover by up to **18%**.