Brandenburg Intensifies Efforts Against Illegal Ride-Hailing Firms

The Brandenburg Ministry of Transport is implementing stricter measures to address unlawful practices in the ride-hailing sector, focusing on unauthorized vehicle operations and forged documentation. Recent developments have highlighted an increase in applications for ride-hailing vehicle permits, prompting authorities to enhance oversight and collaboration with digital platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and Freenow.

According to the Ministry, the proliferation of ride-hailing companies relocating their operations from Berlin to neighboring areas in Brandenburg, while predominantly providing services within Berlin, has raised regulatory concerns. These firms are reportedly circumventing regional laws by presenting falsified documents and failing to comply with established licensing requirements.

District authorities in Brandenburg have reported a significant surge in permit applications, suggesting an attempt by some operators to exploit regulatory gaps. The Ministry of Transport has responded by initiating comprehensive discussions with ride-hailing platforms to develop coordinated strategies aimed at removing non-compliant operators from the market.

Efforts to combat these challenges include plans to strengthen data exchange between Brandenburg's local governments and Berlin's State Office for Citizens' and Regulatory Affairs. This improved information sharing is intended to detect and address instances of fraudulent vehicle registrations and improper licensing more effectively across both jurisdictions.

Additionally, the Ministry is preparing targeted training sessions for regulatory staff in Brandenburg to enhance their ability to identify and process suspicious applications. This initiative aligns with a broader commitment to uphold legal standards and ensure safety and fairness in the region's passenger transport sector.

Digital ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and Freenow typically do not own vehicle fleets. Instead, they act as intermediaries, connecting passengers with independent rental car companies. Existing regulations require vehicles to return to their company base after each completed trip unless a subsequent booking is received. These operational rules are designed to differentiate ride-hailing services from traditional taxi operations and maintain competitive balance.

Berlin's authorities have previously undertaken extensive reviews of vehicles operating through major ride-hailing platforms, resulting in the removal of numerous cars found to be operating with expired, missing, or invalid documentation. This regulatory action reflects ongoing efforts to enforce compliance and protect public interests.

The Brandenburg Ministry of Transport has stated that further consultations with relevant stakeholders are scheduled as part of the ongoing initiative to reinforce legal compliance within the ride-hailing industry. Authorities emphasize that addressing illegal business practices remains a central priority, with continued focus on cooperation between regional and city administrations.