Hamburg Launches Ride-Hailing Price Experiment with Uber, Freenow, and Bolt
HAMBURG, GERMANY – Ride-hailing passengers in Hamburg could soon see fluctuating fares as the city’s transport authority begins a trial period allowing Uber, Freenow, and Bolt to deviate from fixed pricing. Starting Wednesday, trip costs can increase by up to 20 percent above the established rate.
The two-year experiment, running until June 14, 2026, will initially permit higher prices for the first four months. Following this phase, ride-hailing companies will also be allowed to offer fares below the fixed price.
The move aims to modernize and improve the appeal of taxi services in Hamburg, according to the transport authority. “The aim is to make the taxi product more attractive and contemporary,” a spokesperson stated.
The impact of the trial will be closely monitored by the north Statistical Office and mobility researcher andreas Knie, who will compile a report at the experiment’s conclusion. The transport authority will then determine whether to make the flexible pricing model permanent.
Hamburg introduced fixed taxi fares city-wide on February 1st, requiring passengers to agree to a price before their journey or be charged according to the taximeter. This new trial represents a shift in approach, testing the viability of dynamic pricing within the ride-hailing sector.
