Uber Clampdown Leaves Many Romanians Dismayed

Romanian passengers and drivers defended carpooling apps on Wednesday, as the European Court of Justice ruled that Uber is a transport company and must respect European Union legislation in the field.

The decision came as hundreds of taxi drivers protested and blocked traffic in front of the Romanian government building against digital taxi applications and what they deemed "illegal transport companies", such as Uber and its junior competitor, Taxify.

Carpooling applications are becoming more and more popular in Bucharest and across the country, to the annoyance of regular taxi drivers who fear loss of business.

"They're taking our customers, they don't pay as many taxes, and are not officially authorized," a taxi driver protesting in front of the government building told BIRN on Wednesday.

He also said that since the two applications started to function in Romania three years ago, taxi drivers have had to work harder to recover their expenses, because they have less clients.

Bucharest city council on Tuesday adopted a decision to modify taxi company regulations in the capital so that all firms now need to have a call centre and may not rely only on digital applications for orders.

Moreover, the new regulations bar drivers from refusing rides, from asking for tips, and require them to be "decently dressed" and not engage the clients in conversations on sensitive topics. Cars must be equipped with a PoS and all companies are required to also have mobile applications so that customers can order online.

"We all want Bucharest residents who call a cab to be able to enjoy a safe and comfortable ride," Mayor Gabriela Vranceanu Firea said on Tuesday after the city council meeting.

Despite her reassurance, taxi drivers took...