Taxi companies in Chemnitz will be able to deviate further from the regular fare for journeys booked in advance. The City Council voted on 11 November 2026 to widen the scope for agreed fixed fares. From 15 November, these may be up to 20 per cent below or above the applicable fare. Previously, the permitted reduction was limited to five per cent.
The change applies to journeys for which a fixed fare is agreed in advance. It does not mean a general discount when getting into a taxi. Passengers booking such a journey can agree the price with the company before setting off. The option of travelling without such an agreement and having the fare calculated by the taximeter remains available.
With a comparable metered fare of €20, under the expanded range a fixed fare of €16 would be possible. A fixed fare of up to €24 could also be agreed. Whether a company offers a lower price depends on the individual agreement. The wider scope should therefore not be equated with a uniform reduction in taxi fares.
The city says the decision is a response to competition between the taxi trade and other mobility providers. According to the city administration, digital booking platforms in the private hire vehicle sector have so far been able to adjust their prices more flexibly to market conditions. Taxi companies are now also to be able to respond more readily to demand and capacity when offering fixed fares. The city cites weekends, events and night-time as examples.
According to the city, the application to amend the taxi fare regulations was submitted on behalf of the trade by the Chemnitz Taxi Cooperative . The specialist bodies, associations and transport companies consulted either expressed support or raised no objections; no opposing statements were received. The city administration aims for the wider price range to strengthen the competitive position of taxis. How widely companies and passengers will actually use this option remains to be seen.
The city council had already introduced agreed fixed fares for journeys booked in advance in May 2024. At the time, Chemnitz implemented an option provided for under federal law and set a price range from five per cent below to 20 per cent above the reference fare. The new decision therefore leaves the upper limit unchanged; it expands the scope for setting fares below the reference price.
This should be distinguished from changes to the regular fares in the Chemnitz compulsory service area. In March 2026, the city council approved a two-stage increase: on 1 May, the basic fare rose from €4 to €4.50. On 1 January 2027, it is due to rise to €5.20; per-kilometre fares will also be adjusted. Passengers will therefore face higher regular fares alongside greater scope to negotiate fixed fares for journeys booked in advance.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).