Uber intends to try everything to finally be able to drive on the streets which are currently prohibited to it. For several years, the VTC service has not been allowed to drive on Rivoli and Saint-Antoine streets, to name but a few, even though they lead directly to some of the places most popular with tourists. . A serious shortfall for Uber, which appealed to the courts to win its case.
As we know, Paris town hall has been trying for several years to promote other means of transport than the car. Also, many roads have become pedestrianized or, failing that, one-way in order to reduce traffic. Good news for cyclists, but terrible news for car users – and taxi and VTC drivers. Some of whom don’t intend to let it happen so easily.
Since 2020, VTC services are no longer allowed to circulate on Rivoli and Saint-Antoine streets, two of the most major roads in the capital, since they lead directly to several emblematic places popular with tourists. Uber has since tried to integrate the list of vehicles authorized on these two main streets, without success. On January 26, the firm took the next step by filing an appeal against the town hall with the administrative court.
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Uber is trying everything possible to be able to drive freely in Paris
Uber thus argues that certain key places in the capital, such as large hotels like the Ritz or large stores like the BHV, have become very difficult to access, or even that it has become impossible to get there because of this exclusion. Especially since the Paris town hall does not intend to stop there. By next fall, elected officials plan to cut off access to VTCs throughout the center of the capital. Taxis will still be able to circulate freely.
Add to this the very imminent arrival of the Olympic Games, once again an event not to be missed for VTCs. However, many areas, particularly around the Olympic sites, will be prohibited from access. Please also remember that the routes concerned will subsequently be reserved for carpooling and public transport during peak hours. Uber is therefore also trying with this appeal to reverse this decision.