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As the European Parliament elections will take place on 6-9 June, one of the biggest democratic exercises in the world that will shape the European Union for the next five years, we stand at a pivotal moment for our future. It's a time to reflect on the policies shaping our lives, communities, and planet.
The European Union has one of the most ambitious objectives in the world: reduce its CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 and be climate-neutral in 2050! It will impact everyone, and the question is, how can we help achieve these objectives?
FREENOW is one of Europe’s leaders in urban mobility and, therefore, has the responsibility to contribute to reducing its impact on our planet. We started our journey to become a zero-emission platform in 2020. We recently took a step further by having our GHG reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
By integrating taxis with other shared mobility services and cities' public transportation systems, we provide more flexible and convenient commuter options and reduce waiting time and congestion to make urban mobility more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive.
The European Union needs leading European tech companies like FREENOW to fight climate change. On the other hand, the EU must adopt a clear strategy to enable these companies to grow and use innovation tools, such as AI models and systems, to deliver the best products and services to European citizens. This is particularly true for a European mobility tech champion like FREENOW, which works every day to make urban mobility more innovative and sustainable :
The EU can and must prevent unjustified restrictions against mobility platforms so that we can offer the same quality of service to all our users across Europe. These restrictions can happen in some countries in Europe, preventing better access to our services;
The EU can facilitate the development of partnerships between cities and mobility platforms as they can offer numerous benefits that enhance urban transportation systems, improving public transit accessibility and efficiency;
The EU wants to achieve more harmonised rules across Europe for ride-hailing services. In the meantime, the EU needs to understand the importance of tailoring regulations to local nuances. As Taxis bear the responsibility of public service, adhere to tariff systems, and play a vital role in urban public transportation, protecting the Taxi business model is important to ensure people's mobility.
The taxi sector is a lifeline for countless local communities, providing essential transport services to residents and visitors. This industry employs hundreds of thousands, offering reliable jobs and driving local economic growth. Modernising this sector means better jobs, safer rides, and more accessible transport for everyone. By adopting new technologies and accessible vehicles, we can ensure no one is left behind. Regulations in some EU countries already mandate that a certain percentage of taxi fleets be wheelchair accessible, but we must push further.
Our cities are growing, and so are our transportation needs. The taxi industry, if modernised, can be a game-changer. By embracing the progressive decarbonisation of the taxi fleet, taxis can help us hit the EU’s ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Transport accounts for nearly 25% of Europe's greenhouse gas emissions. Imagine cleaner air and quieter streets as electric taxis replace old, polluting ones. By 2025, electric taxis could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 3 million tonnes annually.
The European taxi market is growing at a brisk pace and is expected to grow from USD 77.4 billion in 2024 to 134.3 billion by 2029; integrating smart technologies can turn these vehicles into the backbone of our public transport system, providing last-mile connectivity and making our cities more liveable and efficient.
At FREENOW, we align with the European Union’s broader sustainability agenda. By investing in the modernisation of the taxi sector, we aim to contribute to a brighter future. Electric vehicles emit 35% less CO2 than traditional cars. Imagine a future where our rides are green and clean, and our cities are free from the smog of combustion engines.
Advanced technologies like AI and IoT can transform how we hail taxis, making the experience seamless and efficient. Picture a city where taxis arrive in minutes, payments are cashless, and routes are optimised in real time. In cities like London, Paris, and Berlin over 60% of taxis already use these technologies.
The European elections on 6-9 June are more than just a vote; they are a chance to shape the very fabric of our society. Europe allows us to travel easily, work fairly, and enjoy a vibrant, single market. These elections remind us that our democratic participation upholds the values of freedom, human rights, and equality.
This is our moment. As we approach the European Parliament elections, let's unite to exercise our democratic right to vote and make our voices heard. Prioritise the modernisation of the taxi sector to ensure our cities remain vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive. This isn't just about transportation—it's about building a better future for all Europeans.
Together, we can drive the necessary changes, fostering an environment where the taxi industry can thrive and contribute to the broader goals of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. Your vote on 6-9 June can make a significant difference. Stand up, be counted, and support the policies shaping a brighter, greener, and more inclusive Europe.
Thomas Zimmerman
FREENOW CEO
1.Europe Taxi Market Research Report, Market Data Forecast
2. Comparativa de emisiones de CO2 entre coche eléctrico y coche de combustión
