Zurich taxi drivers call for price caps to return

The taxi price debate in Switzerland continues as Zurich taxi drivers call on the cantonal government to reinstate the maximum price cap, which was removed in 2024. Some drivers are charging high prices, which could deter customers.

Taxis drivers want the price cap to return

The price of taxis in Switzerland has recently come under fire from several taxi associations. After Zurich removed the price cap on how much taxis can charge, drivers are now calling for its return amid rising prices.

According to Nau, the price of taking a taxi in Zurich is on the rise, with residents and tourists being charged extreme rates for short journeys and “prices are sometimes significantly higher than the previously permitted maximum values.”

15 Swiss francs is often the base rate charged, with additional distance charges of approximately 8 francs per kilometre. One report alleges that a taxi ride costs 62 Swiss francs for a three-kilometre ride.

Rising taxi prices could reduce custom in Zurich

The maximum taxi price was removed in 2024 under the Cantonal Taxi and Limousine Act (PLTG). The legislation intended to simplify regulations and allowed taxi drivers to set prices to compete with ride-sharing apps.

However, what was “intended as liberalisation is now causing fierce conflict" with the taxi industry, continues Nau. Many are concerned that drivers are utilising the lack of a price cap to charge high rates, which could in turn discourage people from using taxis. 

Taxi associations have now asked canton Zurich to bring back the cap on maximum fares. The proposal is being reviewed by the cantonal government.

Uber bringing autonomous taxis to Zurich

In other taxi-related news, popular US-based taxi company Uber has revealed plans to launch autonomous taxis (or robotaxis) in Switzerland by the end of 2026, reports Watson. Zurich was one of the 15 global cities to which Uber said it would bring self-driving taxis this year.

Uber already operates autonomous taxis in other cities such as Atlanta, San Francisco and Abu Dhabi, often in partnership with similar companies like WeRide and Waymo. There are no details yet on when or how Uber will bring self-driving taxis to Switzerland’s largest city. Stay tuned!

While the rise of driverless cars exhibits just how far modern technology has come, it also has the potential to increase unemployment among taxi drivers. Uber's CEO Dara Khosrowshahi predicts that in 10 to 15 years autonomous taxis could be a "real issue" for taxi drivers and is "a big societal question that we're going to have to struggle with", reports Business Insider.