Trade union FNV and KNV today sent a letter to Sharon Dijksma, alderman for Traffic and Transport in Amsterdam. She call urges her not to restrict the use of tram and bus lanes by taxis. FNV and KNV support measures to improve air quality in the city, but believe that the proposed containment does not contribute to this. If taxis and healthcare transport are no longer allowed to use tram and bus lanes, this will lead to more air pollution, according to both parties. 

Taxis will have to make a detour in many places in Amsterdam, which means more kilometers. This restriction also does not promote the flow of traffic in Amsterdam. Moreover, according to Jansma, a taxi ride becomes more expensive due to the extra kilometers, and according to FNV and KNV, people with a small purse are the victims. 

Minke Jansma, sector head Transport FNV: 'We understand that Amsterdam wants to move towards a clean and more car-free city, but this measure is counterproductive.'

Restricting the use of tram and bus lanes will put even more pressure on the taxi market. The Amsterdam taxi market has been troubled for years by the distinction in regulations between the entry-level market and the order market. According to Jansma, there is a proliferation of taxis due to the differences in regulations. FNV has been pushing for a level playing field for all taxi drivers for some time, but to date the trade union and the trade association have not yet seen that Alderman Dijksma has taken this seriously.

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