The mobilization of taxis continues to protest against the reduction in prices for patient transport. in Lyon, the rhône prefecture invited “the CRS and police personnel” on tuesday morning to “free the traffic lanes” blocked by motorists, it announced on X.
On Monday, more than 1,500 taxis from the region participated in blockades around Lyon, according to the Federation of Self-reliant Taxis of the Rhône (FTI69). On Tuesday morning there was less mobilization, also in the opinion of taxi drivers.
Taxi exhibition | Situation update at 8.30am
🔴At the request of the prefectural authority,the CRS and the staff of the @PoliceNat69 are used to clear traffic lanes at the following checkpoints:
➡️ on the A46 on the descent to… pic.twitter.com/ltwOUjJ39M
— Prefect of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes and Rhone region (@prefetrhone) December 3, 2024
“We are much fewer than yesterday, we cannot afford long-term strikes, for some of our customers it is indeed vital that they are transported, those who do dialysis, those who do chemo”, Pascal Wilder, a taxi driver for 44 years, installed in front, told AFP at the Édouard Herriot hospital in Lyon, wiht a few dozen fellow demonstrators.
When questioned about the dispatch of the CRS, this FTI activist69 believes that “given the number” of drivers at the checkpoints, “we suspected that the (regional) prefect would not allow this to happen”.
Demonstration in front of the National Assembly
Actions are planned across France, notably on the A1 motorway and in Paris. More than 2,000 taxis went to the National Assembly (7th), where some had already been parked for 8 hours. Thier convergence from the A1 towards the centre of the capital caused almost 500km of traffic jams in the Île-de-France at 9am.
In detail, the protesters ask for “the abandonment of measures that threaten the transport of patients by taxi”. They want to ”fight against illegal competition from VTC platforms and finally promote taxis as an essential public service”, specifies the Team Taxi association on the social network
To save 300 million euros on this medical transport, the Barnier government, threatened with censorship, wants to force taxis and medical transporters to negotiate measures with the health insurance, under penalty of imposing price reductions.
in 2023,according to the Health Insurance,more than 40,000 taxis were authorized to transport patients suffering from pathologies ranging from cancer to psychiatric illnesses,or almost three-quarters of taxis in France.
How might taxi fare reductions impact patient transportation services in cities?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Transport Policy Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into a pressing issue in Lyon, were taxi drivers have mobilized in protest against the recent reduction in prices for patient transport. With us is Dr. Claire Beaumont, a transport policy expert with extensive knowlege in urban mobility and public transport dynamics. Welcome, Dr. Beaumont!
Dr. Beaumont: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s get right to it. We’ve seen over 1,500 taxis participating in blockades around Lyon. Can you help us understand the motivations behind this protest?
Dr. Beaumont: Certainly. The taxi drivers’ protest primarily stems from a reduction in fares set for transporting patients.These price cuts directly impact their livelihoods and put meaningful financial pressure on drivers who frequently enough rely heavily on these services. Taxis fill a crucial role in patient transportation, especially in areas where public transport may not be accessible or feasible.
Editor: It sounds like a complex issue. The Rhône Prefecture has invited police and CRS personnel to intervene and “free the traffic lanes.” what implications does this have for public safety and urban mobility?
Dr. Beaumont: Inviting police to manage traffic disruptions can escalate tensions between authorities and protesters. While it’s essential to maintain traffic flow for the broader community’s benefit, it’s crucial that the concerns of taxi drivers are also addressed. Striking a balance between ensuring public order and considering the grievances of essential service providers like taxi drivers will be key.
Editor: Protest can also be seen as a catalyst for change.Do you think this mobilization could lead to a reassessment of transport policies in Lyon?
Dr. Beaumont: Absolutely. When a significant number of taxi drivers take to the streets, it signals to policymakers that there are unresolved issues within the system. This protest could prompt local government and industry stakeholders to engage in a dialog about lasting pricing strategies that recognize the economic realities of taxi operators while ensuring accessible transport for patients.
Editor: What kind of solutions would you advocate for in the wake of such protests?
Dr. Beaumont: Solutions could involve a complete review of the pricing structures for patient transport. This could include stakeholder consultations with taxi unions, healthcare providers, and local government. Moreover, considering a tiered pricing system that reflects the specific demands of patient transport might help alleviate some of the financial burdens on drivers while still providing affordable services for patients.
Editor: That makes sense. How do you foresee the public reacting to these blockades and the ensuing dialogue?
Dr.Beaumont: Public sentiment can be quite mixed. On one hand,many people understand the struggle that taxi drivers face,especially if they rely on their services. On the other hand, prolonged blockades can cause frustration among commuters who are caught in traffic. The key will be how effectively both the drivers and authorities communicate the underlying issues and proposed solutions to the public.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Beaumont. This is an urgent issue that undoubtedly requires careful consideration from all sides. We appreciate yoru insights into the ongoing situation and what it could mean for the future of transport in Lyon.
Dr. Beaumont: my pleasure! I look forward to seeing how this situation unfolds and the potential changes it could inspire in urban transport policies. Thank you for having me!
Editor: And thank you, listeners, for tuning in! Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to cover this evolving story.