Overview

• Heidelberg is the first major German city to impose binding minimum fares on ride-hailing services.
• Uber rides in Heidelberg were previously about 35 percent cheaper than taxi fares, such as a €9 trip from the main station to the castle compared with up to €25 by taxi.
• Uber condemned the measure as a "black day" for consumers, warning that it may put rides out of reach for low-income passengers.
• The Federal Taxi Association urged other cities to follow Heidelberg’s lead, while the Bundesverband Wir fahren pledged to support legal challenges from affected ride-hailing companies.
• Leipzig briefly introduced and then rescinded similar minimum fares after a court challenge, and Munich has opted against binding price floors in favor of voluntary agreements.