Taxi Drivers Cause Gridlock Across France in Protest of New Medical Transport Regulations
Lyon and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur grappled with major traffic disruptions on Monday as taxi drivers staged a nationwide protest against a new agreement concerning the transport of seated patients.
Starting in the early hours, cabbies blocked major highways leading into Lyon, creating significant delays. Roads A7, A43, and A46 were particularly affected, with traffic backup extending for tens of kilometers.
About thirty taxis parked outside the Edouard Herriot hospital in Lyon, distributing leaflets amidst cups of coffee and animated conversation around 7 a.m., exemplifying the peaceful yet determined nature of the demonstration.
The protest is expected to culminate this evening, as drivers converge on Place Bellecour in Lyon and plan to spend the night camped out.
The drivers’ anger stems from clauses within the agreement currently being negotiated between the French Health Insurance system and taxi services.
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“The service involves transporting seated patients, with whom we taxi drivers all have a special bond,” explained Abdel Grine, president of the Federation of Independent Taxis of the Rhône (FTI69). He expressed concerns that the proposed changes, which include significant price reductions and the mandatory use of shared taxis, will “deteriorate” the quality of care offered to patients.
“It’s more a movement for the patients we have than for the taxi itself,” Grine emphasized.
This latest strike follows the government’s official announcement outlining their intentions to force taxis and medical transporters to accept revised rates, or face penalties. Interestingly, the government has also announced a new decree to be implemented within the 2024 social security budget that will require patients to utilize shared medical transport in most cases, with exceptions rarely granted. This mandate notably specifies a 45-minute time limit on transportation and a one kilometer distance limit allowed for diversions.
A tense standoff exists between the protesters and authorities.
The Rhône prefecture issued a statement, requesting drivers “maintain great vigilance and calm when approaching all blockage points.” Promising heavy police presence to “ensure services to all,” they acknowledged the right to protest indefinitely. However, the prefecture reiterated their non-negotiable stance against “lasting blockage” and stressed “action to filter access to hospitals will not be tolerated” by state services.
Meanwhile, traffic disruptions were not isolated to Lyon, spreading to Marseille and Toulon. Several city centre entrances
around Toulon were blocked, prompting the closure of the Toulon tunnel according to Vinci. Convoys, originating near Marseille, were observed traveling towards the Lançon-de-Provence toll in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, further highlighting the wide-reaching impact of the protests.
Formal statements issued by
the Bouches-du-Rhône “Taxis en route 13” union expressed deep concern, characterizing the proposed changes as weakening not only their profession, but the entire health system. They cautioned that these measures will lead to financial precariousness and the closure of 40,000 local businesses.
“These reforms don’t just weaken our profession, they weaken the entire health system,” expresses Leïla Ghorzi, president of the “Taxis en route 13” union.
The outcome of the negotiations and the impact on road traffic remains uncertain as the
protests continue.
How does Abdel Grine believe the proposed government reforms will impact patient care?
## Taxi Strike Cripples France: An Interview with Abdel Grine
**Interviewer:** Mr. Grine, thank you for joining us today. France has been experiencing major traffic disruptions due to a nationwide taxi strike. Can you tell us what’s prompting these protests?
**Abdel Grine:** As president of the Federation of Independent Taxis of the Rhône, I can tell you this isn’t just about taxi drivers, it’s about patient care. The government is pushing a new agreement that drastically reduces rates for transporting seated patients, and forces us to use shared taxis. These changes will directly impact the quality of care these vulnerable individuals receive.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a “special bond” with patients. Can you elaborate on that?
**Abdel Grine:** Absolutely. We taxi drivers often act as more than just transporters. We build relationships with our passengers, provide a listening ear, and offer a sense of comfort and security. These aspects are vital for patients who may be anxious or unwell. Shared taxis simply can’t provide the same level of personalized care.
**Interviewer:** The government insists these reforms are necessary. How do you respond to that?
**Abdel Grine:** We understand the need for cost-efficiency, but not at the expense of crucial care. This isn’t about lining our pockets; it’s about ensuring patients receive the attention and respect they deserve. The government should be investing in improving healthcare services, not cutting corners and jeopardizing patient well-being.
**Interviewer:** How long do you anticipate these protests will last?
**Abdel Grine:** We’re prepared to keep fighting until our voices are heard. Drivers nationwide are committed to this cause. This isn’t just about today; it’s about the future of patient care in France. We will continue to demonstrate peacefully and persistently until a fair and sustainable solution is reached.
