Paris, August 02, 2024, The Europe Today: French taxi drivers have called for government compensation for lost revenue during the Olympic Games, citing significant traffic disruptions and a decline in regular clientele. In a letter addressed to the transport ministry, taxi unions described the Games as “hugely disappointing” for the 20,000 licensed taxi drivers in Paris.
“Demand is slowing and the entire profession is being prevented from simply doing their job because of these Games,” the unions stated in the letter, seen by AFP. They noted that the influx of visitors drawn by the Olympics has not compensated for the impact of traffic restrictions, venue closures, and the absence of regular customers.
The unions have demanded the creation of a “compensation fund” to cover the income lost over the seven-month period during which public spaces were allocated for the Games. Several venues in and around Paris, as well as in Marseille, were blocked off weeks before the Games commenced on July 26.
In response, Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete announced via social media that taxis and ride-hailing services would now be permitted to enter the “red zones” around Olympic venues, which were previously off-limits to motor vehicles. With the high-security opening ceremony behind, several safety measures have been lifted, easing traffic conditions, Vergriete said.
The government had previously encouraged French residents to go on holiday or work remotely during the Games, further reducing demand and leading to a sharp decline in business compared to the same period in 2023, the unions reported. Some drivers have seen their income fall by 40 to 50 percent.
Last month, trade groups reported that Parisian shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs were facing an “unprecedented slump in business and footfall,” attributing the decline in part to the “heavy security measures” in place during the Games.
