International Trade Journals on the Future of the Taxi Industry
International trade journals and research institutions are painting a picture of a taxi industry in rapid transformation. Autonomous vehicles, AI dispatch, sustainability and new business models are reshaping the sector globally.
The Global Taxi Industry: Major International Trends
What is happening in the taxi industry beyond the Netherlands? International trade journals and research institutions from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Japan are sketching a picture of a sector in rapid transformation.
1. Autonomous Vehicles: Closer Than You Think?
Publications such as Transportation Research and Automotive World regularly report on the state of development of autonomous taxis (robotaxis). Companies such as Waymo (USA) and WeRide (China) are already running fully driverless taxi services in parts of San Francisco, Phoenix and Guangzhou.
For Dutch taxi drivers, this trend still feels distant — but it is relevant for strategic thinking about the future of the profession, particularly for long-distance rides on motorways.
2. AI and Smart Dispatch
International fleet managers are increasingly using AI systems that learn from historical trip data to deploy drivers smarter: at the right time, in the right place. This reduces waiting times and maximises revenue per driver.
3. Sustainability: Electric Everywhere
In London, Paris and Oslo, major taxi fleets are already over 50% electric. International journals show that urban areas with strict zero-emission policies are accelerating this transition. The Netherlands is following this global trend, though at its own pace.
4. New Business Models
The traditional dispatch model is under pressure from platform-based models (like Uber and Bolt). International research suggests that hybrid models — combining platforms, traditional dispatch and contract care transport — are the most resilient business model.
Key Sources for International Taxi Trends
- Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice
- Automotive World (UK)
- International Transport Forum (OECD)
- Urban Mobility Daily