The Dutch Rabobank and Social Fund Taxis (SFT), an association in which both the trade unions FNV and CNV plus the taxi trade association KNV Taxi are represented, issued a stark warning. Last year SFT noted a 9% drop in wages paid out in the Dutch taxi industry, which is mainly supported by contract work (80%) for public and private authorities. Earlier, the Dutch Rabobank predicted a drop of 1,5-2% in turnover for 2014. According to both the Rabobank and SFT this drop is due to government cuts in various forms of contract work. Apart from that certain contract systems employ more and more volunteers. The negative price development in tenders and the (local) policy of obligatory ‘social return’ (replacing company employees by long-term unemployed) make it more difficult for Dutch taxi operators to supply quality at a decent price.

According to the Rabobank, cuts in public transport can lead to more work for taxi companies, if they work with colleagues and go for coordinating transport projects with local and regional governments and public transport operators.

• The Dutch Rabobank suggests more innovative solutions. How about more advertising on the vehicles?