Several taxi unions in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes announced on Monday to the state services a mobilization “aimed at blocking several entry adn exit routes from the agglomeration of Lyon”, explains the rhône prefecture in a press release wich foresees “serious inconveniences” to road traffic.
Taxis are protesting against the agreement being negotiated with the health insurance company for the transport of seated patients, which could be signed in December.According to Abdel Grine,president of the Federation of Autonomous Taxis of the Rhône (FTI69),two points arouse the anger of taxis: the prices “revised very substantially downwards” and the obligation to use “collective taxis”.
“The service is the transport of seated patients, with whom we taxi drivers all have a special bond,” he added: “The service will be worsened” if these conditions are applied.
Faced with this potential mobilization, the Rhône prefecture invites motorists “to postpone their trips, take public transport or telework”.
Blocks from 5am
Blockades could begin “as early as 5 am” at several access points in the Lyon metropolitan area. Furthermore, several motorways could experience significant slowdowns around Lyon with taxi convoy traffic coming from neighboring departments and converging towards the city, “starting at 4am on the A7, A43, A42, A47 and A89.
Moreover, the prefecture calls for “maximum vigilance and calm when approaching all checkpoints” underlining that the police will be mobilized “for everyoneS safety”.
“The prefect of the Rhône has signaled to the organizers of this movement that no lasting blockade will be accepted,” the press release states. “No action aimed at filtering access to hospitals will be tolerated by state services,” warns the prefecture.
How might the use of collective taxis affect the relationship between taxi drivers and seated patients in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region?
Q&A: Understanding the Taxi Unions’ Mobilization in Lyon
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Today,we have the pleasure of speaking with Abdel Grine,the president of the Federation of Autonomous Taxis of the Rhône (FTI69).Abdel, thank you for joining us. Can you explain the motivation behind the upcoming mobilization by taxi unions in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, notably in Lyon?
Abdel Grine: Thank you for having me.The primary motivation for our mobilization stems from the negotiations with the health insurance company regarding the transport of seated patients. We are quite concerned about two critical aspects of the agreement that is on the table. First, the proposed prices for our services have been significantly revised downward, which jeopardizes our ability to operate sustainably. Second, there is an expectation to use ”collective taxis,” which fundamentally changes the personal nature of our service.
Interviewer: It sounds like these changes would have notable implications for both taxi drivers and patients. Can you elaborate on the potential impacts of using collective taxis during patient transport?
Abdel Grine: Absolutely.The essence of our service is the unique bond that taxi drivers develop with seated patients, many of whom rely on us for their transportation to medical appointments. Collective taxis could disrupt this relationship, leading to a less personalized experience. We believe that patient care could be adversely affected if these collective models are implemented.
Interviewer: Given the expected blockades to begin as early as 5 AM around Lyon’s metropolitan area, how do you foresee this impacting road traffic and citizens?
Abdel Grine: These blockades will indeed create serious inconveniences for road traffic in Lyon. Motorists may face significant slowdowns on several major motorways, including the A7, A43, A42, A47, and A89, as taxi convoys from neighboring departments converge toward the city starting at 4 AM. We are urging everyone to postpone non-essential trips, utilize public transportation, or consider teleworking during this period.
Interviewer: With the Rhône prefecture cautioning motorists about potential delays and advising calm when approaching checkpoints, how do you respond to those concerns?
Abdel Grine: We understand the prefecture’s concerns for safety and the flow of traffic.Our aim is to protest peacefully and to draw attention to the issues we face as drivers. We are committed to ensuring that our actions do not impede access to hospitals or emergency services. That said, we hope the authorities will recognize the grievances that have led us to this mobilization.
Interviewer: What do you hope will be the outcome of this mobilization, and how do you plan to proceed if the agreement with the health insurance company is finalized as proposed?
Abdel Grine: our primary goal is to engage in dialog and convey our concerns directly to decision-makers. We hope to influence the negotiations to ensure fair pricing and patient-centered service. If the agreement goes through as it stands, we will need to assess our options moving forward, including potential further protests or discussions within the industry to safeguard our livelihood and the quality of care for patients.
Interviewer: In closing, what practical advice can you offer to both taxi drivers and patients who might be affected during this mobilization?
Abdel Grine: for taxi drivers, I recommend staying informed about negotiations and uniting to voice our concerns collectively.For patients, our advice is to plan ahead by considering option transport options. We empathize with anyone impacted by our actions, and we urge everyone to remain informed and flexible during this protest.
Interviewer: Thank you, Abdel, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. We appreciate your time, and we hope for a resolution that considers the needs of both taxi drivers and the patients they serve.
Abdel Grine: Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure to discuss these importent matters.
