The Municipality of Amsterdam and the supervisory authorities are paying increasing attention to compliance with regulations within the taxi transport sector. As a result, drivers may be checked more frequently regarding both their behavior during the taxi ride and compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
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For TAT-affiliated drivers, this means it is important to be thoroughly familiar with the applicable regulations and to comply with them consistently. This includes, among other things: Stationing in the vicinity of a TTO site, such as, among others.

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Victoria Hotel and surroundings
NH PH quay and surroundings
Old Bridge Alley
Dam and surroundings (Krasnapolsky)
Ibis hotel (rear of Central Station)
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ENFORCEMENT: ZERO TOLERANCE APPLIES AT CERTAIN LOCATIONS
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At a number of locations in Amsterdam, extra strict supervision maintained. In practice, a applies at these locations zero-tolerance policy regarding the presence of taxis without a demonstrable legitimate reason.
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Can you afterwards fail to demonstrate why you were present at the location in question, unlike for example for actually letting passengers disembark, then you run the risk that a of this Report of Findings (Board of Directors) is being drawn up.
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Even when you state that you are in favor of a pre-booked ride You must be able to substantiate that this was present at the location upon request. A pre-order added retrospectively or one that does not actually exist will not provide a solution in this regard.

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Make sure you can prove afterwards why you were there.

If you are placed on the Board of Directors because your presence at a location cannot be sufficiently explained, it is important for the TTO that there concrete and verifiable information is available. Think, for example, of data showing that you actually carried out a pre-ordered ride.

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If you have nothing to explain afterwards or cannot substantiate your presence, the possibilities for the TTO to successfully support your point of view are limited.
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Moreover, a Board of Directors in such a situation cannot remain without consequences. If the violation is established, the TTO must, in accordance with its terms and the applicable sanctions policy, appropriate measure to impose.

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Our advice: ensure you can always explain why you are at a location and keep the relevant details of a pre-booked ride.

Why must a supplementary carrier comply with the rules?
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TAT, like other TTOs, has an agreement with Schiphol Taxi Centrale (STC), the so-called GTO agreement. Based on this agreement, drivers who meet the applicable conditions can work through TAT as supplementary carriers at the designated locations and under the applicable conditions.
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This option is subject to conditions. These conditions are binding. Both STC and TAT attach importance to drivers adhering to the applicable rules and regulations.
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Strict enforcement and possible measures

There are a number of requirements and rules of conduct that are strictly enforced and for which measures or sanctions may be imposed depending on the violation and the circumstances. This applies, among other things, to the proper execution of rides, not refusing customers, correctly informing passengers, the use of the taximeter, providing a printed receipt, and the requirements placed on the driver and the vehicle.

A violation can not only have consequences for the driver concerned, but can also lead to a report from STC or another involved party.
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Therefore, it is important that every driver working as a supplementary carrier is aware of the conditions under which he can make use of this option and actually complies with these conditions. Additional transport is not a right without conditions. It is an option offered within the agreements and conditions that TAT has made with STC.
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Obligations for additional carriers

As a supplementary carrier, you are required to comply with the rules and conditions applicable to taxi transport and the location where you work. The following regulations are relevant in this regard:
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1. Use the taximeter
During every taxi ride, the taximeter must be switched on and remain switched on for the entire journey. It is possible to offer a discount to the customer, but a discount does not release you from the obligation to use the taximeter.

2. Issue print slip
At the end of every ride, you must provide the customer with a printed receipt for the relevant ride without being asked. The customer therefore does not need to request this first.

3. Do not refuse rides due to distance
You do not refuse customers because the requested ride is short. A short ride is no reason not to transport a customer.

4. Do not direct customers to a shuttle bus without being asked.
You do not refer customers to a shuttle bus without their consent when they wish to use your taxi. When a customer clearly indicates they want to travel with you, you carry out the ride in a correct and professional manner.

A customer who chooses not to use a shuttle bus must be respected in this regard. A correct and customer-friendly attitude is expected from the driver.

5. No reference to a non-existent or discontinued shuttle bus
Referring a customer to a shuttle bus that does not exist or that is no longer in service at that time according to the applicable schedule is classified as a serious incident.

This may create the impression that the customer is being deliberately discouraged from using the taxi and may give rise to further investigation and, depending on the circumstances, a measure.

6. Clothing and personal care
Your clothing must always be neat and in accordance with applicable regulations while performing taxi services. A professional and presentable appearance is expected of the driver.

7. Condition and upkeep of the taxi
The taxi must also be clean, well-maintained, and presentable, and comply with the applicable vehicle regulations. A professional appearance of both the driver and the vehicle is part of the quality of the taxi service.

8. Use of rate 2 for a taxi van
Are you driving a taxi van and transporting your taxi? 5 or more passengers, then rate 2 may be applied, insofar as this applies according to the applicable rates and regulations.
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Important:
These regulations are not optional. Every driver is expected to familiarize himself in advance with the rules applicable at the location where he provides taxi services. Not knowing a rule does not automatically mean that it does not apply.

If in doubt regarding the application of a rule, it is advisable to contact us in advance and ask for clarification.

TAT has a Taxi Fare Calculator developed that allows drivers and customers to easily gain insight into the estimated ride price.

The calculator was developed to make it easier for the customer to get clarity on the cost of a taxi ride in advance.

Linked in real-time to current traffic conditions. By entering the departure and destination locations, the distance is calculated, and an indication of the rate can be displayed based on this.

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The taxi market is changing

The taxi market is changing. Customers increasingly want know in advance approximately how much a ride costs before they take a taxi.
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Competing against the many platform services with often very low, predatory rates doesn't make things any easier. But with this app with a professional look and feel, you can demonstrate that you are an entrepreneur and can win over the customer. Sometimes, the included "discount button" helps to overcome the final hurdle. TAT addresses this with the Taxi Fare Calculator. The calculator offers a quick and accessible way to gain insight into the ride price in advance.
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For drivers

The calculator can also be a handy tool for drivers when a customer asks for the price of a ride in advance. The basic principle remains that the the taximeter is used correctly during the ride and that applicable legal and local regulations are complied with. The calculator is intended as a tool to provide clarity in advance and not as a replacement for the taximeter.
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Simple and fast

The calculator has been developed with ease of use in mind and also works on mobile phones. This allows a customer to easily view a ride and the corresponding fare indication while on the go. With this, TAT continues to invest in digitalization and transparency within the Amsterdam TTO taxi market.

More and more taxi platforms and budget providers are offering rides at demolition rates.
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Great for the consumer, but for the driver, this means increasing pressure on income and, consequently, on the taxi profession. That is precisely why you need to distinguish yourself:
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Provide service. Work on your appearance. Wear appropriate clothing. Keep your car clean. Be customer-friendly. Help with luggage and do not refuse rides without a good reason. Being the cheapest driver is not a future strategy. Professional service and quality are.
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Turn every ride into a calling card for yourself and for the Amsterdam taxi industry.