Overview
- The draft order would set ride‑hailing minimum prices at no less than 80% of Cologne’s taxi tariff, with a 5‑km example placing the floor at €15.52 versus a €19.40 taxi fare.
- It would apply only to rides that begin and end within Cologne, excluding insured medical trips and bookings made at least one hour in advance.
- City officials cite the national Personenbeförderungsgesetz as the legal basis and, according to local reporting, plan to let taxis offer up to 20% discounts on app or phone bookings.
- Industry reaction is split, with Freenow welcoming the plan as a step toward fair competition and Uber’s Germany chief warning it would raise prices for typical trips.
- The rental‑car association wirfahren has called a protest on March 9 from Deutzer Werft to City Hall, timed to the committee session considering the rule.