Taxi Lyon: Blockage and threat to the 2024 Festival of Lights

Prolonged strategic blockages on Lyon roads

After a first day of mobilization on Monday, December 2, 2024, taxi drivers in the Lyon region announce the renewal of their actions this Tuesday, December 3. Blockages and filter dams are planned on several strategic axes, in particular:

• Valvert interchange (M6): located in Tassin-la-Demi-Lune, this interchange is a nerve center for accessing the northwest of Lyon.
• Nœud des Îles (A42 – A46 – East Ring Road junction): this major intersection to the north-east of the metropolis is essential for traffic coming from the east and the north.
• A43 near Porte des Alpes (Saint-Priest): main axis for connections with Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport and the Alps.
• A7/A450 interchange (Confluence): crucial for journeys between the south of Lyon and cities such as Vienne and Saint-Étienne.
• A7 at the southern urban boulevard (D301): important for traffic between the city center and the southern peripheral areas.
• These blockages target vital arteries of Lyon traffic, causing significant disruption for users.

A nighttime gathering at Place Bellecour organized by Lyon taxis

Monday's mobilization of taxis continued until late at night. Several dozen taxi drivers gathered at Place Bellecour, in the heart of Lyon, to demonstrate their discontent in a symbolic way. Horns, slogans and emergency lights punctuated an evening marked by the determination of the demonstrators. This nighttime gathering, accompanied by voluntary slowdowns in the surrounding streets, also attracted the attention of local residents and passers-by. “It was impossible to cross the neighborhood by car, and even on foot, it was complicated,” says a resident of the area. This action reinforced the visibility of their movement while increasing pressure on local authorities.

It was impossible to drive through the neighborhood

A threat hovering over the Festival of Lights

Taxi drivers plan to extend their movement until the Festival of Lights, scheduled for December 5 to 8. This event, which attracts more than 2 million visitors each year, is crucial for the influence of Lyon and for its local economy. If the blockages persist, access to the festivities could be seriously hampered, particularly for visitors coming from outside or
using the park and ride facilities to reach the city center. Traders fear an impact on their income during this strategic period, while local authorities are concerned about the logistical and security disruptions this could cause. The Festival of Lights is based on free movement in the city, and a prolonged movement of taxis would risk altering the visitor experience, while tarnishing one of Lyon's most emblematic events. The prefecture did not report this during its Press point Festival of Lights this Monday, December 2, 2024.

Claims at the heart of the conflict

Taxi drivers are mainly protesting against a proposed new pricing for medical transport, currently being negotiated with Health Insurance. According to this proposal, the price would increase from €1.50 to €1 per kilometer, which, according to professionals, would negatively impact their turnover.

They also denounce article 30 of the 2024 social security financing bill, which provides an incentive for shared transport for patients, under penalty of reduced reimbursement. They believe that this measure could degrade the quality of service offered to patients and increase constraints for drivers.

Finally, the rise in fuel prices and increased competition from VTC platforms add to the concerns of taxis, who are calling for better regulation of the sector to ensure the sustainability of their activity.

Impact on local businesses and the regional economy

We are in full preparation for the Festival of Lights, and these blockages are affecting our supplies.

Repeated blockages have significant repercussions on the local economy. Many companies, particularly SMEs and VSEs, are experiencing delays in deliveries, cancellations of professional meetings and difficulties for their employees in getting to their workplace.

A merchant from the Confluence district says: “We are in full preparation for the Festival of Lights, and these blockages are affecting our supplies. If this continues, it could harm our turnover during one of the most important periods of the year.” In the medical field, a home care provider explains: “Our teams struggle to get to patients on the outskirts of Lyon. This disrupts our organization and, above all, puts certain patients in complicated situations.” These examples illustrate how blockages affect a diversity of economic and social actors, worsening tensions in the region.

Emergency solutions: how to adapt to taxi blockages?

Faced with blockages planned by taxis, several solutions can be put in place to limit the impacts on your travel and your organization:

For motorists

• Use alternative routes : Favor secondary roads to avoid the main blocking points. Applications like Waze or Google Maps will guide you in real time to less congested routes.
• Change your travel times : Departure earlier or later, adapt your times to avoid periods of intense traffic.
• Use a VTC service : Many local businesses VTC driver Lyon are available in the Lyon region and can offer more flexible journeys by bypassing blocked areas. Remember to always book the day before to benefit from a fixed price with no surprises.

For businesses

• Encourage teleworking : If possible, organize remote working for your teams, thus avoiding travel in difficult conditions.
• Use professional VTC services : For essential travel, companies can use private chauffeur services for their employees, reducing delays and difficulties.
• Arrange working hours : Introduce flexible time slots to allow your employees to avoid blocking hours.

For individuals

• Take public transport : TCL is strengthening its lines during these disruptions. Check their site or app for schedules and updated routes.
• Test carpooling : Platforms like BlaBlaCar or Karos make it possible to organize shared journeys, reducing the number of cars on the roads.
• Consider gentle modes : For short trips, consider walking or cycling as quick and eco-friendly alternatives. Lyon has a well-developed cycling network and a rental service like Vélo'v.

Increased support for VTCs in Lyon

With taxis blocked, VTC drivers represent a practical alternative for urgent or professional trips. These services offer tailored journeys bypassing congested areas and remain available via mobile apps for quick bookings. In addition to their flexibility, VTCs offer reliable solutions for travelers who wish to avoid disruptions due to roadblocks.

How to follow taxi blockages live in Lyon?

To anticipate your trips and reduce inconvenience, here are some essential tools:

1. Listen to the radio : Local stations, like Radio Scoopbroadcast regular information on the traffic situation and the areas affected by blockages.
2. Check out Waze : This navigation application allows you to have real-time updates and find the most efficient alternative routes.
3. Download the TCL app : For public transport users, this application provides information on timetables, delays, and line changes.

Follow live traffic conditions