The KNV chairman left no doubt about it: the blow to the taxi and healthcare transport sector is unprecedented. In March, 90% of the volume and turnover fell. Nevertheless, 80% of the costs continued as usual, Panteia calculated at the time on behalf of KNV.

entrepreneurs have lost efficiency

Student transport has now recovered, but healthcare transport is still faced with a sharply reduced demand. The revival of the second corona wave is already showing a new decline. This applies in particular to WMO transport, which transports many elderly people. Another major problem on the transport side is the impossibility of optimally planning journeys: most entrepreneurs are faced with structural inefficiencies.

“The danger is far from over,” warns KNV chairman Bertho Eckhardt. “More customization is needed to face the uncertain future. Clients and carriers, keep in touch with each other. ”

A call from KNV and its social partners in April led to an arrangement whereby clients continue to pay 80% of the trips not driven. In addition, transport companies are making good use of the various support measures (NOW, TOGS, ToZo), and options for postponing tax payments. Cost reduction is another means that is being used. Although several companies are already working on reorganisations, Eckhardt expects bankruptcies to be inevitable this autumn. Possibly rising to 10-15% and resulting in thousands of unemployed people.

customization and good communication

The KNV chairman fears that, however welcome, the third support package will not take the industry out of harm's way everywhere. “As long as the corona crisis affects contract transport, support from the government and clients is necessary,” he emphasizes. The unusual situation, and a reality that will for a while still be dominated by adaptation and change, also require organizational solutions. “Maintain dialogue with each other”, advocated Eckhardt towards clients and carriers. “Keep existing budgets available for transport as much as possible. See together what can be organized smarter - one region is not the other. With customization and good communication, we ensure that we maintain the transport facilities for often vulnerable groups for the longer term. ”

Source: KNV

Also read: 'Incomprehensible ', says KNV chairman Bertho Eckhardt