Local taxi drivers are happy that the municipality of Breda will come up with stricter rules for taxis. In recent years, many complaints have been received about the many taxis, ride refusals, usury prices and unfriendly drivers who sometimes hardly speak Dutch.
According to Taxi drivers Saïd Jebari and Ehssan Naemey, it has been untenable in Breda for a long time. “We notice that more and more taxis are being added and that the rules are also very flexible,” says Jebari. “In the evening and the weekend you see I don’t know how many taxis are at the harbor. They have no place there anymore. It’s so full.”
According to him, the crowded streets cause dangerous situations. “Taxis stand still at intersections, at traffic lights or just by the side of the road. They don’t know where to stand,” Jebari explains.
Hard competition
According to colleague Naemay, there are now more than five hundred taxis in Breda. And that ensures harsh competition. “We have very few customers. We actually have no work anymore, so we might as well apply for benefits,” he says with a bitter smile.
Zabi Pahiman, another driver, also sees the market changing in Breda. “There are too many taxis, there is too little work, because people don’t want to take a taxi. It’s difficult,” he says. According to the drivers, many of the taxis come from other cities, such as Rotterdam. “They come here, take our journeys and leave again,” says Naeme.
The problems go further than just oversupply. “They refuse everything and many of them don’t even speak a word Dutch. I don’t understand how they get a permit. Uber has destroyed the entire market,” says Naeme.
Stricter permit requirements
The municipality of Breda recognizes the problems and comes with measures. Stricter permit requirements apply from the beginning of 2026. The exam is being expanded, there will be a clear code of conduct and drivers who misbehave can be punished. Ride renovations and usury prices will be strictly tackled. It is not yet clear what that enforcement will look like. Taxi drivers are given six months to adapt to the new requirements.
Naeme hopes for clear agreements and supervision. PAMIMAN is happy that the municipality thinks along, but wonders whether the measures will have sufficient effect. For the time being Jebari is waiting for it. “Then you see whether it has an effect or not. I am certainly happy with it, because as it is now, it just can’t be done.”