Uber recognised as professional ‘call centre’ in Lausanne
The controversial ride-hailing app service Uber now operates with professional drivers and is recognised as a “call centre” in the Lausanne area, in line with local rules. Pressure from taxi firms and unions have forced the US firm to review its Swiss set-up.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/sb
The Lausanne authorities confirmed the regulatory change on Tuesday that ensures Uber conforms to local rules for taxis and drivers. Around 60 drivers, validated as professionals, will be authorized to work for Uber for a renewable one-year period.
Tensions between Uber, local taxi services and the local authorities have calmed in recent months, Lausanne councillor Pierre-Antoine Hildbrand told the Swiss News Agency (SDA-ATS). This follows discussions and agreement on new working arrangements and the use of professional drivers.
Uber differs from other taxi firms primarily in that it does not own cars or directly employ drivers, but connects passengers and vehicles via its app. However, taxi unions have accused Uber of undercutting fare prices, lacking adequate insurance cover, employing non-professional drivers and failing to enforce the type of quality controls that standard taxi firms are subjected to.
In March it was reported that the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) now considered Uber taxi drivers as employees rather than self-employed contractors, a move that will also add to pressure on the company.
In Switzerland, Uber has offered three types of service since it was introduced in 2014: UberBlack uses professional drivers operating high-end sedans; UberX is an intermediate range of cars; UberPop, at the lower end of the scale, is operated by any individual with a four-door car who signs up on the company’s website.
However, the ride-sharing firm announced it would abandon its UberPop service in Lausanne in November; it will now continue in Lausanne with UberX via its app. The UberPop service was already discontinued in Zurich in August. It will end in Basel from June 1, 2018, as it claims it is not profitable enough.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
TradeXBank to resume full operations after Sberbank Switzerland taken off sanctions list
This content was published on
TradeXBank, the former Swiss branch of Russia’s Sberbank, will be able to resume its dollar-denominated activities from the second half of this year.
Geneva decides not to remove controversial memorials
This content was published on
The city of Geneva has presented an action plan regarding a series of controversial local statues and monuments of historical figures linked to racism, colonialism or slavery.
University of Lausanne calls for end to pro-Palestine sit-in
This content was published on
The pro-Palestinian occupation continues at the University of Lausanne (UNIL). On Monday evening, a group of students refused to agree to the deadline set by the rectorate.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss authorities say Uber drivers should be treated as ‘employees’
This content was published on
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs has clearly indicated that Uber drivers should be classed as employees rather than self-employed.
This content was published on
The demonstration was organised by Switzerland’s largest single trade union, Unia, and the national taxi trade union. Following a demonstration at Bern’s football stadium, there was a procession of taxis through the city, before a petition was handed over to the government. The unions have accused Uber of undercutting fare prices, lacking adequate insurance cover,…
This content was published on
Ride-sharing service Uber has been ordered to cease operations in Geneva because it violates cantonal taxi regulations. Drivers face fines of up to CHF20,000 ($20,500).
What makes people become Uber cabbies in Lausanne?
This content was published on
Uber has entered its latest Swiss city – Lausanne – but for a controversial company in a place with low unemployment and high wages, how easy is it to find drivers?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.