31/10/2015
When planning your journey across Belgium, whether for business or leisure, securing reliable and convenient transportation is often a top priority. For decades, the Belgian taxi industry has served its passengers with dedication, but the digital age has brought new expectations and opportunities. In a significant move that reshapes urban mobility, the biggest taxi dispatchers from key Belgian cities have united under the international taxi-hailing app, taxi.eu, offering a modern, streamlined service that combines local expertise with global reach. This strategic integration ensures that whether you're in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, or beyond, a dependable taxi is now more accessible than ever before.
The Dawn of a Unified Taxi Service in Belgium
The Belgian taxi landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation with the major dispatch centres connecting to taxi.eu. This isn't just about a new app; it's a strategic repositioning by established taxi providers to blend their long-standing reputation for reliability with the demands of a digital-first world. This collaboration, announced in early February, signifies a powerful shift, enabling passengers to access a vast network of taxis with unprecedented ease. For the first time, leading dispatchers from Brussels, Antwerp, Zaventem, Kortrijk, Boom, and Ghent are offering a unified digital service, promising a consistent and high-quality experience across the nation.
Pierre Steenberghen, General Secretary of the “Groupement des Entreprises de Taxis” (GTL), aptly summarises this initiative: “We are combining our strengths of a reliable taxi service that our customers expect, with the new possibilities of a modern application. At the same time, we merge the local strengths of individual companies into a national and international service.” This statement perfectly encapsulates the dual benefit: maintaining the trusted service quality while embracing technological advancement.
Key Players Driving the Belgian Taxi.eu Network
The success of this unified service hinges on the collaboration of prominent Belgian taxi companies. In Antwerp, DTM Taxis and Antwerp-Tax are at the forefront. Brussels sees the formidable presence of Taxis Autolux, Taxis Verts, and Unitax. Ghent is covered by VTax, Boom by Rupel Taxi, and Kortrijk by VTC Taxis. These companies, each with a rich history and significant fleet, collectively deliver the taxi.eu service across Belgium, ensuring wide coverage and high availability. Their commitment underscores a shared vision for the future of taxi services.
Koen Van Oorschot of Antwerp Tax highlights their progressive journey: “We have continuously developed since 1929, when we started out with Minerva Cars. The taxi.eu app meets the need of our passengers for a reliable taxi service at any location with just a single app – here in Antwerp or anywhere throughout Europe.” Similarly, Steve Van Avermaet, CEO at DTM Antwerp, notes their robust capacity: “We have a fleet of more than 100 vehicles and 220 employees, which allows us to meet the needs of our customers. The app service is a future-oriented addition.”
In Brussels, Taxis Autolux, a significant entity in the Belgian taxi sector, embraced this standardised European app. Rudy Claude, Commercial Manager at Taxis Autolux, explains the customer demand: “Every customer wants just one app with as many products and services as possible. This is the need we are addressing all over Belgium, with partners in the neighbouring countries and throughout all Europe.” Thierry Willekens, Commercial Director at Unitax, adds a crucial point about Brussels’ international nature: “As a region, Brussels is a melting pot of different local languages as well as the centre of Europe. An international app customers already use in Berlin, Copenhagen, Prague and other cities is highly appreciated here.” Jean-Michel Courtoy, Managing Director at Taxis Verts, reinforces this sentiment: “Taxis Verts is happy to contribute to strengthen taxi.eu partner network in Belgium. taxi.eu further deployment is another strong proof of innovation in the Belgian taxi industry.”
Finally, Koen Van Cauwenberge, CEO at VTax in Ghent, reiterates their forward-thinking approach: “We are moving with the times and have joined the most performant network: taxi.eu. As a service provider, we know what our passengers want.” These endorsements from leading figures within the Belgian taxi industry solidify the commitment to providing a superior and unified service through taxi.eu.
Digital Convenience Meets Traditional Reliability
While the digital service is rapidly expanding and becoming the preferred method for many, the traditional telephone dispatch services are not being phased out. This dual approach ensures that all customer needs are met, especially for those who might have specific requests that are not easily managed through an app, or for passengers who simply prefer the human touch. This commitment to maintaining diverse service channels highlights the industry's focus on comprehensive customer satisfaction. It means whether you prefer the speed of an app or the reassurance of a phone call, a taxi is always within reach.
The Expansive Reach of taxi.eu: Beyond Belgian Borders
The true power of taxi.eu extends far beyond Belgium's borders, transforming it into a truly European taxi solution. Already live in Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, and Kortrijk, the service is active in 12 European countries. This means that passengers who download the app for use in Belgium can seamlessly use it when travelling to other major European cities. Within the Benelux Union, cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Luxembourg City are part of this extensive network. Furthermore, cities close to the Belgian border, including Aachen, Dusseldorf, and Cologne in Germany, also utilise the service, making cross-border travel incredibly convenient.
With over three million downloads across Europe, taxi.eu has proven its popularity and utility. Developed by the taxi industry itself, it connects users with more than 145 taxi dispatch centres in over 100 cities. This translates to an impressive fleet of more than 62,000 taxis and 160,000 taxi drivers operating for taxi.eu. The app's strength lies in its ability to directly connect users with the closest regional taxi dispatch service in approximately 4,500 cities, ensuring efficient and timely pickups. Crucially, taxi.eu operates in full compliance with legal regulations in all countries, working closely with local dispatch centres and taxi companies to ensure a safe and legitimate service.
The Technology Behind Your Ride
taxi.eu is operated by FMS Systems GmbH, based in Berlin and Vienna. The managing directors, Hermann Waldner and Michael Weiss, bring years of experience in dispatch and software development to the project. The application relies on FMS’s IT-based, state-of-the-art fleet management system, which is widely adopted by numerous taxi dispatch centres across Europe. This robust technological backbone is a key factor in the app's consistent high performance and superb test scores, particularly praised for its extensive distribution, multitude of features, and exceptional ease of use. This commitment to advanced technology ensures that your taxi experience is smooth, efficient, and reliable from start to finish.
Why Choose the Unified taxi.eu Service in Belgium?
The unification of Belgium’s largest taxi dispatchers under the taxi.eu umbrella offers compelling advantages for both residents and visitors. Below is a comparison of typical taxi services versus the benefits provided by the integrated taxi.eu network:
| Feature | Traditional Taxi Service (Pre-Integration) | taxi.eu Unified Service |
|---|---|---|
| App Coverage | Potentially fragmented, separate apps per city/company | Single app across all participating Belgian cities and 12 European countries |
| Network Size | Limited to individual company's fleet in a specific area | Access to over 62,000 taxis and 160,000 drivers across Europe |
| Ease of Use | Requires local knowledge, multiple phone numbers, or different apps | Intuitive app, connects to closest regional dispatch centre |
| Reliability & Trust | Varies by local company; may not be consistent across regions | Backed by established, legally compliant dispatch centres; high service standards |
| International Travel | Requires finding new local services in each country/city | Seamless use in over 100 European cities |
Frequently Asked Questions About Taxis in Belgium with taxi.eu
Understanding how to best utilise this new service can make your travel experience even smoother. Here are some common questions and their answers:
Where can I get a taxi in Belgium using taxi.eu?
You can readily get a taxi via taxi.eu in several major Belgian cities. The service is currently live in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Kortrijk, and Boom. Given the strategic locations of these cities, particularly Brussels as a European hub and Antwerp as a major port city, coverage extends to key travel points like Zaventem Airport, making it incredibly convenient for both local and international travellers.
Can I still call a taxi by phone if I don't want to use the app?
Absolutely. While the digital service is expanding, the traditional telephone dispatch services remain fully operational. This ensures that passengers with special requests, those who prefer direct communication, or simply anyone who isn't comfortable with app-based booking can still easily secure a taxi. The goal is to cover all customer needs, offering flexibility and choice.
How many taxis are available through the taxi.eu network in Europe?
The taxi.eu network is vast. Across its 12 European countries of operation, it connects users with over 62,000 taxis and is supported by 160,000 taxi drivers. This extensive fleet, managed through 145 dispatch centres, significantly increases your chances of a quick and efficient pickup, wherever you are within the service area.
Is taxi.eu available only in Belgium, or can I use it elsewhere?
No, taxi.eu is a truly international service. Once you have the app, you can use it in 12 European countries and over 100 cities. This includes major hubs like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Luxembourg City, and even German cities close to the border such as Aachen, Dusseldorf, and Cologne. This convenience is a major benefit for frequent European travellers.
Who operates the taxi.eu service?
taxi.eu is operated by FMS Systems GmbH, a company based in Berlin and Vienna. They are experts in dispatch and software development, providing the advanced IT-based, state-of-the-art fleet management system that powers the entire network. This ensures a professional and technologically sound service.
What makes the taxi.eu service reliable?
The reliability of taxi.eu stems from its unique model: it cooperates directly with established, local taxi dispatch centres and companies. This means you’re not just hailing a random driver; you’re connecting with professional, licensed services that have a long-standing presence and reputation. Furthermore, all operations adhere strictly to the legal regulations of each country, ensuring a safe and trustworthy experience.
Are the taxi drivers licensed and regulated?
Yes. Because taxi.eu partners with existing, legally compliant taxi dispatch centres and companies, the drivers operating within this network are licensed and regulated according to the local and national laws of Belgium and other participating countries. This commitment to legal and professional standards provides passengers with peace of mind.
Conclusion: Your Seamless Belgian Taxi Experience Awaits
The integration of Belgium’s leading taxi dispatchers with the taxi.eu app marks a significant step forward for urban mobility. It offers a powerful blend of convenience, reliability, and extensive coverage, both within Belgium and across Europe. Whether you’re a local resident or an international visitor, navigating Belgian cities for business or pleasure has never been easier. With a vast network of professional drivers and a user-friendly app, your next taxi journey in Belgium is just a few taps away, promising a smooth and efficient ride every time.
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