Fewer local branches of taxi companies

Since 2002 the number of local branches of taxi companies has declined by 11 percent. The reduction is significantly larger in Amsterdam (23 percent over the period 2002–2005) and the surrounding area where many local branches are situated.

Number of local branches of taxi companies in the Netherlands (1 January)

Sharp increase until 2002

In the period 1997–2002 the number of local branches of taxi companies in the Netherlands rose by 63 percent. In Amsterdam and the surrounding area the number of local branches increased by 140 percent in this period. Two-fifths of all local branches of taxi companies in the Netherlands are clustered around the Dutch capital. After this sturdy increase the number fell by 11 percent. In Amsterdam and the surrounding area the reduction was even larger with 23 percent over the period 2002–2005. Despite this reduction there are far more local taxi branches in the Netherlands as a whole and in Amsterdam than in the 1990s.

Number of local branches of taxi companies in Greater Amsterdam and the Netherlands (1 January)

Deregulatory measures

The reduction in local branches after 2002 coincides with the step-by-step introduction of the Act on deregulation of the taxi industry in 2000. The act was introduced to lift a number of restrictions. As from 2000 the government no longer regulates the number of taxi companies and the size of the taxi fleet per company but leaves it to the taxi industry to decide on these issues. In the first stage, however, the maximum rate charged was determined at government level and taxi companies were only allowed to operate in a well-defined area. As from 1 January 2002 (second stage) the latter restriction was lifted. The number of local taxi branches increased spectacularly during the first stage after the introduction of the new law in the period 2000–2002 but fell during the second stage (2002–2005).

Two-thirds of local taxi branches situated in North and South Holland

Two-thirds of local taxi branches are situated in the provinces of North and South Holland; 44 percent are concentrated in North Holland. In the provinces of Drenthe, Groningen and Zeeland the number is 30 to 40 times smaller than in North Holland.

Number of local branches of taxi companies by province, 1 January 2005

Naud Philippens