Business · Economy · 2 days ago
Zurich taxi group warns robotaxis could sharply cut driver numbers
The president of Zurich’s taxi association says autonomous cars could leave 80% of the canton’s taxi drivers out of the job within five years.
Robotaxis are already carrying passengers in the Furttal area of Zurich canton, using three electric cars that can currently be booked only in the afternoons.
Waymo, a leading US robotaxi company, has also opened an office in Zurich.
The canton has about 5,500 taxi drivers, and the association says those who stay in the profession may need to offer services such as help for older people or premium service.
A mobility researcher at ZHAW says the five-year forecast is an extreme scenario and considers it unlikely.
He says demand peaks at certain times, making it hard for robotaxi operators to run a fleet profitably, and some passengers may need a driver’s help or may not want to use a robotaxi.
Zurich city lawmakers have asked the government to consider preventing robotaxis in the city or regulating them strictly.
The Zurich Taxi Association warns that robotaxis could sharply reduce the number of taxi drivers within five years.
Its president, George Botonakis, predicts that 80 percent of taxi drivers will be gone.
Mobility researcher Thomas Sauter-Servaes says that rapid replacement is an extreme and unlikely scenario.
Robotaxis have been carrying passengers in the Furttal area of the canton of Zurich since September.
Three electric robotaxis are currently available to book only in the afternoons.
- Who
- The Zurich Taxi Association, led by president George Botonakis, warns of job losses; mobility researcher Thomas Sauter-Servaes disputes the speed of the predicted change.
- What
- The association says robotaxis could eliminate 80 percent of taxi-driver jobs within five years. A mobility expert says this is unlikely to happen so quickly.
- When
- The warning was reported on 9 October 2026. The association’s forecast concerns the next five years.
- Where
- Zurich and the Furttal area in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland.
- Why
- The association says autonomous cars will transform the taxi industry. The expert cites fluctuating demand and passengers who may need assistance or may not want to use robotaxis.
Zurich Taxi Association
Thomas Sauter-Servaes
Driver numbers
Zurich Taxi Association
George Botonakis predicts that 80 percent of taxi drivers will be gone in five years.
Thomas Sauter-Servaes
Sauter-Servaes calls that an extreme scenario and considers it unlikely.
Future of the profession
Zurich Taxi Association
Botonakis describes robotaxis as the end of the taxi driver’s job.
Thomas Sauter-Servaes
Sauter-Servaes expects drivers to remain necessary for peak demand and for passengers who cannot or do not want to use robotaxis.
80 percent of taxi drivers will no longer exist in five years.
I consider that statement to be a bold one.
I assume that drivers will still be needed for some time to cover peak demand.
Mobility researcher Thomas Sauter-Servaes gave up his own taxi.
Robotaxis began carrying passengers in the Furttal area of the canton of Zurich.
SRF reported the taxi association’s warning and the researcher’s doubts about its forecast.
- Forecast
- Zurich Taxi Association president predicts 80 percent of taxi drivers will be gone in five years.
- Current workforce
- 5,500 taxi drivers in the canton of Zurich, according to NZZ.
- Robotaxis
- Three electric vehicles are currently in service in the Furttal area.
- Operating hours
- The Furttal robotaxis can be booked daily from 13:00 to 17:00.
- Company presence
- Waymo, a Google subsidiary, has opened an office in Zurich.
Sources
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