Taxi and VTC Strike in France: Significant Disruptions Expected on June 11

A major strike by taxi and VTC (private hire vehicle) drivers has crippled transportation across France on June 11th, 2025, causing widespread traffic chaos, particularly in Paris and Marseille. The action, which began with localized protests on June 10th, escalated significantly today with large-scale rallies and blockades targeting major Parisian airports, including Charles de Gaulle and Orly, and key arterial roads such as the A1, A3, A6 highways and sections of the Paris périphérique. The disruption echoes similar protests in Rennes and Nantes, highlighting a nationwide discontent within the private transportation sector.

The drivers' grievances are deeply rooted in distinct yet interconnected issues. Taxi drivers are primarily protesting the recently implemented health insurance reform, specifically concerning the reimbursement rates for patient transport. They argue the changes have severely reduced their income, making it unsustainable to operate. Meanwhile, VTC drivers, largely affiliated with platforms like Uber and Bolt, are facing a different set of challenges. They cite market saturation due to an influx of new drivers, leading to a significant decrease in fares and overall earnings. Their central demand is a moratorium on new licensing exams, to control the number of drivers and stabilize the market. The intensity of the protests underlines the depth of their financial distress; reports from Autoplus indicate significant traffic congestion on key routes around Aix-en-Provence TGV station and Marseille Provence airport, exacerbating existing transport issues in these already busy areas.

The French government's response has so far been characterized by ongoing negotiations with representatives from both taxi and VTC unions. A meeting was held this morning at the Ministry of Health to address the taxi drivers' concerns regarding the health insurance reform. However, no concrete solutions have been announced, leaving the possibility of prolonged strike action very real. The VTC drivers' call for a moratorium on new licenses presents a significant policy challenge, raising questions about the balance between market liberalization and the need to protect workers' livelihoods. The government faces pressure to find a sustainable solution that addresses the specific concerns of both groups, while also considering the broader implications for public transportation and the overall economic stability of the sector.

The scale of this strike underscores the increasing precariousness of the gig economy and the challenges of regulating rapidly evolving transportation markets. The long-term implications could include further regulatory changes impacting the entire transportation sector, potentially leading to higher fares, increased reliance on public transport, or the need for alternative business models for ride-sharing platforms. The outcome of these negotiations will set a significant precedent, not only for France but also for other countries grappling with similar issues within the private transport sector. Failure to reach a compromise could lead to further escalation, with the potential for wider social and economic repercussions.