French taxi drivers are calling on the government for compensation due to lost revenue during the Paris Olympics. In a letter to the transport ministry, taxi unions expressed their dissatisfaction with the Games, stating they have been “hugely disappointing” for the industry. They cite traffic disruptions and a decrease in regular clients as the primary reasons for the decline in business.
The letter, seen by AFP, highlights that the influx of visitors from the Olympics has not offset the negative impact of traffic restrictions, venue closures, and the absence of regular customers. The unions are demanding a “compensation fund” to reimburse drivers for income lost during the seven-month period leading up to and including the Games.
Several venues in Paris and Marseille were closed off for weeks before the Games began on July 26th. In response to the taxi driver’s concerns, Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete announced on social media that taxis and ride-hailing services would now be permitted to access the “red zones” around Olympic venues, which were previously restricted. The minister explained that with the opening ceremony behind them, several security measures have been lifted, resulting in a more fluid traffic flow.
However, the unions argue that the government’s encouragement for French residents to take vacations or work remotely during the Games has further exacerbated the situation, leading to a sharp drop in business compared to the same period in 2023. Some drivers have reported a 40 to 50 percent decline in income. Last month, trade groups revealed that shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs in Paris are facing an unprecedented slump in business and footfall, partly attributed to the “heavy security measures” implemented during the Olympics.
