Uber, the American VTC platform, has decided to challenge the exclusion of VTC drivers from the lists of vehicles that are allowed to drive on the main roads of the French capital, specifically on the rue Rivoli and rue Saint-Antoine in Paris.
The company formally filed an appeal against Paris City Hall on January 26, challenging the July 31, 2023 decree that excluded VTC from these territories.
Unfair competition?
Since 2020, VTC drivers have been systematically excluded from the list of right holders for these two axles, which are nevertheless considered key to their professional activities. Uber points out that while taxis, locals and many artisans and traders have access to these areas, VTCs are systematically excluded.
Uber initially tried to approach by appealing to City Hall, but that approach was unsuccessful. Before this situation, The VTC platform decided to refer the case to the administrative court to challenge the relevant order.
According to Uber, these traffic restrictions not only made it difficult for passengers to access, but in some cases it was simply impossible to get to certain places popular with customers, such as St. James Albany, the Marys, the Ritz, etc. like department stores such as BHV. But the issue is not limited to these two iconic streets. The VTC platforms also express their displeasure at the planned exclusion from the future restricted traffic zone (ZTL), which is due to be implemented in the autumn of 2024 in the center of Paris. This exclusion appears to favor taxis, which will continue to circulate in this reserved area.
Uber drivers are excluded everywhere
In addition, VTCs have been mobilized for several weeks to gain access to the Olympic lanes that will be reserved for Olympic vehicles, public transport and taxis during the Olympic Games. VTC treats this exclusion as unequal treatment and hope to be able to use these channels to provide ongoing service to their customers.
After the Games, the government plans to reserve these peak-hour lanes for car sharing and public transport on some highways in early 2025.
Read also:
ZFE: According to some, they would benefit the auto industry
ZFE radars: how to spot them accurately?
ZFE: What is the future impact on our way of life?
Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.