Between 200 to 250 taxis left from Place Poelaert in Brussels around 10.15 a.m.
This was according to the General Secretary of the Federation of Belgian Taxis (“FEBET”), Sam Bouchal. They headed for the office of the Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region, Rudi Vervoort.
The initiative, organised by the Front Commun (Mutual Front) of Brussels taxi drivers, had the symbolic appearance of a funeral procession. It started around 8.30 a.m. at Place Poelaert, where taxis were gathered at first.
The procession carried a coffin to Mr Vervoort’s office (Rue Ducale) before laying a wreath at the Brussels Parliament (Rue du Lombard). Mr Bouchal explained, “We are hoping to meet members of the Infrastructure Committee.” The taxi sector is requesting that the regional government draws up a plan taxi (taxi plan) with clear rules which remove Uber’s unfair competition.
By agreement with the police, the procession slightly modified its route. After the symbolic stop at Mr Vervoort’s office, the taxis were scheduled to do a U-turn by the inner ring road, going via the Rue de la Régence and Place du Sablon, before going via the Brussels Parliament. Lastly, they were due to return to Place Poelaert, for a members’ debriefing.
