It's a move that's rare enough to merit a mention: in the midst of a debate on the regulations to be imposed on new mobility players such as chauffeur-driven tourism vehicles (VTCs), two major players in business travel in France have joined forces. The GBTA and the AFTM have co-signed an appeal for consultation, and have requested a meeting with Thomas Thévenoud. The Member of Parliament for Saône-et-Loire is the author of a report designed to "guarantee the long-term conditions for balanced competition between the different modes of private passenger transport", according to the letter of assignment dated 13 February 2014. The report contains "the majority of proposals" which are welcomed by the two associations insofar as they "would make it possible (...) to improve passenger service, encourage free competition between the various passenger transport providers and offer greater price transparency to consumer companies". However, the GBTA and AFTM are critical of three aspects of the bill, in particular the ban on electronic marauding by VTCs and the temporary suspension of new VTC registrations. The two associations have therefore requested an audience with the MP's office, and have also said they are willing to meet the professional federations concerned. "Since the arrival of VTC services on the individual travel market, companies, through their travel managers and business travel buyers, have been able to offer real added value to their employees on business trips", stated the press release published on 22 May. "At the same time, we are delighted with this competition, which has motivated taxi companies and small-scale taxis to improve their quality of service and offer specific services reserved for companies," add the GBTA and the AFTM.
