Paris 2024: VTCs fear an obstacle course...

The popularity of Olympic Games rises to a crescendo. And the tourism professionals are betting heavily on the financial windfall generated by this fortnight and beyond, to Paris as elsewhere in France. However, some players in the mobility sector are taking a more... mixed view of the event. These are the findings of a study published on 13 September by Ubersummed up in an eloquent title: "One year ahead of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, VTC drivers left by the wayside".

Of course, the financial benefits have not escaped the attention of drivers, the vast majority of whom see the Olympics as an opportunity to make a profit.increase their income (87%). As a result, almost all our staff will be mobilised during the event: 94% VTC drivers logically plan to be on the road during the Olympic fortnight. But at what cost? If the Uber study is anything to go by, some people are approaching the Olympics with the handbrake on, or at least with a degree of trepidation...

In fact, the majority of VTC drivers working in the Paris region say they are concerned (64%), or anxious (56%), at the idea of working during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. And with good reason... Already a problem on a daily basis, traffic in the capital could prove to be epic next summer. 93% of VTC drivers in the Paris region estimate that their journeys in and around Paris will be disrupted, or even very disrupted. "This is 17 points more than the disruption they anticipate for taxis."notes the Uber study, which adds: "They also consider that the traffic rules put in place during the 2024 Olympic Games are unfavourable to them compared to taxi drivers (70%).".

An "incomprehensible" and "aberrant" regulatory framework

Uber reminds us that "during the entire period of the 2024 Olympic Games (26 July - 8 September), VTC drivers will not be allowed to drive on the 185 km of roads defined by the International Olympic Committee in collaboration with the Paris City Council (ring road) and the Prefectures (A1 and A13), which will be reserved exclusively for athletes, members of the Olympic delegations, accredited journalists, public transport vehicles, TPMR vehicles and ... taxis.". In addition, according to Uber, VTC drivers will not be able to "access to pick-up and drop-off points in the immediate vicinity of Olympic venues during peak full stops". And the authors of the study denounce: "Given the high stakes involved in transport, it is incomprehensible that VTCs should be prevented from operating around Olympic sports venues. Similarly, it is absurd that VTCs should be excluded from access to Olympic lanes, while taxis will be able to use them without any restrictions. This exclusion makes no sense, since VTCs and taxis are usually governed by the same regulations.".