Taxi drivers in the Loire region are set to protest in Saint-Etienne on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, voicing their concerns over a new health insurance agreement and the practice of electronic soliciting by VTCs (voitures de transport avec chauffeur).
Between 80 to 100 taxis are expected to participate in the protest, which will see drivers circulating in the center of Saint-Etienne. The mobilization is organized by two unions: the Union Syndicale des Taxis de la Loire and the Syndicat des Artisans Taxis.
The taxi drivers are scheduled to meet with the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie (CPAM) at 8:30 AM, seeking to negotiate terms regarding the 2025 health insurance agreement. Their primary concern is a potential 20 to 30% decrease in fares for medical transport, which they fear will significantly impact their earnings.
"We are worried that this new agreement will force us to lower our prices for medical transport, which is already a challenging sector for us," said the president of the Union Syndicale des Taxis de la Loire. This sentiment is echoed by many drivers who rely on these fares to sustain their livelihoods.
In addition to their concerns about the health insurance agreement, the taxi drivers are also protesting against the electronic soliciting practices of VTCs, such as Uber and Bolt. These drivers often station themselves near the Saint-Etienne train station, seeking clients without prior reservations, a practice that is now illegal under current regulations. The taxi unions argue that this gives VTCs an unfair advantage over traditional taxi services, which are required to remain at their designated bases unless called.
The protest is expected to disrupt traffic in Saint-Etienne, particularly in the morning. Some taxi drivers are coming from Roanne and plan to arrive around 6:30 AM, gathering near the Stade Geoffroy Guichard by 7:30 AM. From there, they will head towards the train station around 8:00 AM before making their way to the Prefecture, taking the Grande Rue Charles de Gaulle.
Despite the potential for significant traffic congestion, the unions have stated they do not intend to completely block roads. "Our goal is to raise awareness about our issues, not to create unnecessary chaos on the streets," a union representative clarified.
Following their meeting with the CPAM, the taxi drivers will also be received by representatives from the Prefecture at noon. This second meeting is anticipated to address their grievances related to the VTCs and the implications of the new health insurance agreement.
The situation reflects broader tensions within the transportation sector in France, where traditional taxi services are increasingly feeling the pressure from the rise of VTCs. As these services continue to expand, many taxi drivers are concerned about their ability to compete in a changing market.
In recent weeks, Saint-Etienne has seen various labor movements, including a significant strike by waste collectors who resumed work after nearly 15 days of protests. The taxi drivers' actions today add to the growing list of public demonstrations as workers seek to negotiate better conditions and protect their livelihoods.
As the taxi drivers prepare for their protest, they hope to garner public support and raise awareness about the challenges they face. With negotiations underway, the outcome of today's meetings could have lasting implications for the industry.
Overall, the protest in Saint-Etienne highlights the ongoing struggles faced by taxi drivers in the face of changing regulations and competition from VTCs. As they advocate for their rights and seek to protect their earnings, the situation serves as a reminder of the complexities within the transportation sector and the need for fair practices that support all drivers.
