If you think of a taxi in Antwerp, you may also end up with one of the oldest taxi companies in Belgium.
De Sinjorenstad Antwerp is working hard to become even more sustainable and mobility plays a major role in this. If you think of a taxi in Antwerp, you may also end up with one of the oldest taxi companies in Belgium. Antwerp-Tax is such a wonderful example of how companies themselves can easily contribute to this goal. As one of the oldest taxi companies in Belgium, Antwerp-Tax is preparing for an emission-free future with the right charging infrastructure.
Before 1929 Frans Van Oorschot built a large garage at 14 Karel Oomsstraat and in 1929 founded a rental car company with drivers in livery† In 1933 his son Jan Van Oorschot founded a taxi company under the name Antwerp-Tax. The war affects the rise of the company. The fleet is claimed, first by the occupying forces, later by the liberator. Frank Van Oorschot, Jan's son, takes over the management of the company in 1963. Gradually the Plymouth cars have to give way to the safe and luxurious Mercedes vehicles.
In the 90s, the 4th generation entered the company, Koen Van Oorschot, Frank's son. The company will be equipped with state-of-the-art computers and from now on dispatching will be done with data transmission. GPS is one of the first companies in Europe to be used in taxis. Antwerp-Tax is 93 years old this year and is investing in new electric and hybrid vehicles.
On 1 January, the Flemish government liberalized the taxi sector, allowing more players to provide passenger transport. As chairman of the Antwerp Provincial Taxi Union (APTU), Koen Van Oorschot knows that the liberalization of the market will provide additional players. Van Oorschot just doesn't know whether switching off the waiting time, the time spent in traffic jams and diversions, is profitable. “Abroad, several taxi companies have already come back from this,” said the manager of Antwerp tax.
sustainability
'Sustainability' is a broad concept. For Antwerp, 'being sustainable' means ensuring the health of the city, its inhabitants and the environment in the long term. The biggest challenges are global warming and CO2 emissions. But it is equally important to protect the greenery and water on the territory of the city. To ensure the quality of life of Antwerp residents, Antwerp is also tackling air pollution and noise nuisance.
Antwerp over-65s who are (temporarily) less mobile can taxi cheques purchases. You can book taxi rides at a reduced price with recognized taxi companies. A taxi check is worth 5 euros, you only pay 2,75 euros. You can recognize a licensed taxi by a taxi card on the inside of the rear window and a second taxi card that is attached to the back of the front passenger seat.
