As of January 1, 2025, the maximum rates for taxi transport in the Netherlands will be increased.
This decision is on December 12, 2024 published in the Staatscourant by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The adjustment is the result of the annual indexation based on the National Tariff Index (LTI), which has been set at 2025 percent for 3,34. This means that the cost increases in the taxi sector are passed on in the rates.
The change, as determined by State Secretary CA Jansen, affects both the starting rates and the kilometer and time rates. The starting rate for a taxi increases from €4,02 to €4,15, while the kilometer rate increases from €2,96 to €3,05. The waiting rate, which is charged during standstills or delays, also increases slightly from €0,49 to €0,50 per minute. For larger vehicles or group transport, the new rates have been adjusted accordingly.
vulnerable travelers
According to the explanation of the decision, the annual indexation is intended to keep the tariff structure in the taxi sector transparent and fair. Although the tariffs are capped, taxi companies have the freedom to offer lower prices or to agree fixed fares with customers in advance. According to the ministry, regulating the maximum tariffs is necessary to protect vulnerable consumers, such as tourists and the elderly, from excessive costs.
The regulation will enter into force on 1 January 2025, in accordance with the fixed change dates for ministerial regulations.
State Secretary Jansen emphasizes that the rates apply exclusively to regular taxi transport without a previously agreed price. Contract transport and other forms of taxi services fall outside this regulation.
reactions from the sector
The change has led to reactions from the taxi industry and other stakeholders. During the internet consultation, which ran from 18 October to 15 November 2024, eight reactions were submitted. Royal Dutch Transport (KNV), the interest group for the transport sector, advocates a different indexation method, in which the so-called NEA cost development index is taken as a starting point. According to KNV, this is more in line with actual cost developments in the sector. In addition, the organisation urges the abolition of statutory maximum rates, because they would not fit within a liberalised market.
While the ministry acknowledges these points, it continues to maintain the current tariff structure. “Abolishing maximum tariffs would expose consumers, especially vulnerable groups, to financial risks,” the explanatory memorandum states.
Royal Dutch Transport (KNV), the interest group for the transport sector, is advocating a different indexation method, based on the so-called NEA cost development index.
The adjustment of the rates entails one-off compliance costs for taxi companies. For example, taximeters must be recalibrated and new rate cards must be issued. The ministry has calculated that the total compliance costs for the sector amount to approximately €814.800, which equates to an average of €21 per vehicle. This amount includes, among other things, adjusting the taximeters and renewing the rate cards that must be visible in the vehicles.
According to the explanation, the actual impact on the sector will be lower, because not all taxis fall under the maximum tariff regime. For example, contract transport and pre-agreed fixed fares are exempt from this regulation.
future plans
The new rates will come into effect on 1 January 2025 and will then be reassessed annually based on the LTI. The ministry has indicated that the calculation model for compliance costs will be re-evaluated in 2026. For this year, the calculations are based on the number of active taxis in the Netherlands, set at 38.800 vehicles, as confirmed by data from the RDW.
With the annual indexation, the government wants to maintain a balance between reasonable prices for consumers and fair income for taxi entrepreneurs. However, the sector itself continues to push for more flexibility and a revision of the tariff structure.
