Braunschweig's iconic taxi firms collapse under financial and competitive strain
Braunschweig’s taxi industry is under pressure as two long-standing companies face financial trouble. Mini-Car, a well-known local firm, has shut down after years of losses, leaving around 50 employees jobless. Meanwhile, the city’s oldest taxi service, Taxi-Zentrale, narrowly avoided collapse by filing for insolvency. Mini-Car’s closure follows years of financial struggle. Between 2017 and 2020, the company lost roughly €330,000, eventually forcing it into liquidation. Its vehicles were legally classified as rental cars, requiring them to return to the dispatch centre after every trip. A creditors’ meeting is now scheduled for late June to finalise the shutdown.
The Green Party has raised concerns about the broader impact on local transport. They argue that new mobility platforms, including Uber, are squeezing traditional taxi and rental services. In response, the Greens submitted an emergency motion questioning whether the city’s current monitoring of the passenger transport market is sufficient. They also warn that vulnerable groups could face mobility challenges if more taxi firms close. On Tuesday, Braunschweig’s city council will debate competition in the taxi and rental car sector. The discussion comes as Taxi-Zentrale, another long-running operator, survives insolvency proceedings. The Greens stress that without stronger oversight, further job losses and service cuts could follow.
The insolvency of Mini-Car and the near-collapse of Taxi-Zentrale highlight the growing strain on Braunschweig’s taxi trade. With creditors set to meet in June and a council debate underway, the city must now decide how to balance competition with the survival of traditional transport services. The outcome will shape mobility options for residents, particularly those who rely on taxis the most.
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