JUTZI Philipp

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Ride-hailing and the professional licence

Being allowed to drive is not a given

In Switzerland nobody may transport a passenger for money without first obtaining a professional licence. On top of that come 26 cantonal regimes, each deciding for itself who may drive under what conditions.

Second-freest economy in the world.

OL-DE

Bern, 11 March 2026

The Grand Council of the Canton of Bern has passed the new law on professional passenger transport. Traditional taxis keep their privileges: taxi ranks, bus lanes, street hailing and the taxi light. Platforms such as Uber and Bolt receive a simplified permit – rides only by app pre-booking, a sticker instead of a light, no obligation to accept.

That is a step in the right direction and makes ride-hailing in Bern considerably easier than before. Still, it is far from the end. The B121 requirement for professional passenger transport must fall as well. In the end an ordinary category B licence plus platform approval should be enough.

The reform is not yet final.

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Geneva: forced into an employment model by court order

In 2022 the Federal Supreme Court confirmed in the final instance that Uber drivers in the Canton of Geneva are to be treated as employees and that Uber falls under the Geneva taxi law. Uber shut down its service in Geneva the same weekend. Around 1,700 drivers were left without income from one day to the next. Only after committing to minimum wages was Uber allowed to operate in Geneva again.

Uber itself has since stated that it will not introduce a model as restrictive as Geneva's in any other canton for the time being.

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From an American perspective

In the USA practically every car is an Uber – any private car can drive. So don't tell me there is no Uber in Switzerland.

We have Uber. We just needed a Federal Supreme Court ruling, 26 cantonal regimes and a professional driving licence to get there.

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How it works elsewhere

Florida (USA) and Russia have the most liberal rules for Uber/Bolt drivers. Essentially an ordinary driving licence is enough, as of March 2026.

Legend:
- TNC = Transportation Network Company (Uber/Bolt)
- CDL = Commercial Driver’s License

USA - Florida (most liberal, Texas/Idaho similar):
- Only an ordinary driving licence needed. No CDL, no extra TNC licence.
- No mandatory vehicle inspections. Strong preemption: cities may not make their own rules.
- Reason: minimal state framework, only basic safety/insurance.

Russia:
- Formerly very simple (licence + simple taxi permit only). Since 2022/2026: registration, medical certificate, 3 years' experience, criminal-record certificate.
- Remains comparatively open. No driver caps.

Other countries stricter (e.g. UK, Germany, France: extra licences, training).

Summary: Florida (USA) is the easiest in the USA. Russia was internationally the most liberal but has become somewhat stricter. Always check current laws. Apps have their own rules.

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Abolish the B121 requirement

Anyone who wants to work should be allowed to work. A category B licence, platform approval, a clean record – that is enough. Everything beyond that is protection of vested interests, sold as safety.

The B121 requirement must be abolished. The cantonal fragmentation must be unified. And nobody should need a state permit to drive someone from A to B for money.

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Sources

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TS120

Fact check5/10

Bern and Geneva sourced. Russia as the most liberal model does not hold. 'Every car an Uber' is not true for New York. The Bern reform has since been completed.

As of 21.09.2026