Groningen Passengers Fed Up With Taxi Abuses
Riders are tired of "taxi mafia" who refuse trips, raise the prices and build a negative reputation for Groningen's taxi services.
At the Grote Markt taxi rank in Groningen, frustration is rising among both passengers and drivers. Nightlife-goers complain of being refused short trips, charged exorbitant fares, or told that taxi meters are “broken.” Meanwhile, honest drivers say their reputation and income are being destroyed by colleagues who bend the rules. The issues were first reported by the city blog Sikkom, which spoke to both passengers and drivers.
Passengers Left Stranded
On busy nights, many passengers report being turned away by drivers unwilling to take short rides of just a few kilometres. Some say they’ve been quoted fares far above the official maximums. A trip to Meerstad that should cost around €31 was offered for €50. Others claim drivers pose as Uber operators or simply keep driving past them.
Residents describe the atmosphere as chaotic and sometimes unsafe. “The taxi mafia is serious. There’s always arguing here,” one woman said. Others echoed frustration, noting that without oversight, drivers seem free to refuse rides or demand inflated prices.
Drivers Also Frustrated
Not all drivers support these practices. Some Groningen-based taxi drivers told Sikkom they’re ashamed of the industry’s image. They argue that colleagues from within and outside the city chase only long, profitable rides while leaving locals stranded. “If we’re all going to drive like this, we might as well throw the meters out of the car,” said one driver, pointing to official fare guidelines that are often ignored.
The situation has escalated to the point that some drivers avoid working weekends or major events altogether, citing aggressive confrontations with rogue drivers and the presence of illegal taxis.
Municipality Under Pressure
The municipality tried to improve conditions earlier this year by deploying “taxi stewards” on weekend nights. These stewards acted as hosts at the rank, but they lacked the authority to issue fines. Once the trial ended in July, abuses quickly returned.
Now, council member Niels Hilboesen of the City Party 100% for Groningen is demanding stronger action. In written questions to the city executive, he criticised the unsafe and unregulated taxi market, which he says harms residents, visitors, and Groningen’s reputation.
Hilboesen is calling for a “Groningen Taxi Approach” modelled after stricter regimes in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven. Measures there include mandatory membership in authorised taxi organisations, mystery guest inspections, QR complaint stickers, and bans on ride refusals.
Possible Local Ordinance
Currently, Groningen has no official ban on ride refusals. Under national law, taxi drivers are expected to serve every customer, but municipalities can introduce stricter rules. A spokesperson confirmed Groningen is investigating whether to do so, alongside a broader review of taxi service quality.
For now, passengers and drivers remain locked in a cycle of frustration at the Grote Markt. Whether the city follows through with stricter rules may determine if Groningen’s taxis can regain trust and reliability.