In as much as roads and railways have been a notable means of transport in cities across the world, transport via use of online hailing apps such as Uber, has transformed transport within cities. At the touch of a button on our hand held tools, we can get a well furnished car with air conditioning to our house in just a few minutes. However, the legal status of Uber in different cities can vary, and for those interested in using Uber in Berlin, the question arises: is Uber legal in the German capital? Now, let’s take a look at what is currently available.

A guide to the regulation of ride-hailing in Germany

Germany itself has rules that restrict the services of ride-hailing. Until October 2014, the regulation by enactment of the Passenger Transportation Act (Personenbeförderungsgesetz) meant that any enterprise in the business of providing paid transport services must be licensed for the promotion of passenger security and fair competition. This regulation affects both the normal taxi and service providers such as Uber among others.

But, Uber first upset Germany’s laws for transportation as the corporate began its operation in Germany without license for cab-hailing service. This led to several cases and different judgements in different cities including Berlin.

The Legal Battle: Uber vs. Berlin Authorities

Initial Entry Strategy and Legal Issues of Uber

In the beginning of 2013, Uber started operating its services at Berlin whereby clients could hire cars using its effective application on their smartphones. However, the Berlin authorities did not stay idle and claimed that Uber offered a service which was prohibited by the existing law. The main legal issue was that Uber’s drivers were not the taxi drivers legally able to work and satisfy the demands of the Passenger Transportation Act.

The Berlin Administrative Court sided with the authorities and made the prohibition legal in August 2014 by restraining Uber from its services in Berlin. The ruling made was to the effect that Uber’s drivers were not properly licensed, let alone that their services competed unfairly with traditional taxis.

UberPop and the Future Litigation

However, undaunted by the early loss, Uber launched a new service called UberPop which hails The third party drivers and connects users to private cars. This action triggered more problems in Berlin and other German cities of conflict leading to aggravation in legal hassles.

In 2015 the Berlin Regional court maintained the ban on UberPop as it prohibited it from operating as a taxi service, an unregistered one at that. The court said that the service is dangerous for passengers, drivers do not have a license, commercial insurance, and sufficient background checks.

The Current Status: UberX in Berlin

After these legal issues, Uber changed some of its services and operating models to conform to the German laws. This is in light of the fact that to work legally in Berlin, Uber present just only qualified professional drivers with legitimate permit. Uber mainly operating in Berlin at present offers a service known as UberX.

Using UberX in Berlin

For those interested in using UberX in Berlin, the process is relatively straightforward:

1. The first step to being able to use Uber is to download and install the Uber app.

The first step toward getting an Uber involves downloading this application from your mobile device’s application store then installing it. The app is developed both for iPhone and Android.

2. Sign Up & Payment

download the Uber App and if it is your first time, use your Email account to sign in to Uber account. When creating an account, specify all your payment methods, including a credit card or, if you use PayPal.

3. Requesting a Ride

With your account created, it is very simple to type in your starting point and pick-up place in Berlin. Its services are available on the Uber app where all the service options plus the cost estimate of each service.

It is necessary to mention that UberX in Berlin works like usual taxis. The UberX services providers have the necessary licenses and permits prescribed by the German authority. Although everyone who uses Uber knows how to request a ride, the drivers themselves are following traffic rules and laws of Berlin.

Conclusion

So, is Uber legal in Berlin? The answer is yes, actually, but only under certain circumstances. Due to legal cases with Berlin authorities Uber changed the services it offered in line with the Passenger Transportation Act. UberX, the official Uber service for requesting transportation in Berlin, is available only for those drivers that have the appropriate licenses.

Thus the follow of the above prescribed process will ensure safe and efficient use of UberX as a form of transport when in Berlin or permanently resident in Berlin.

Of course, rules and regulations are mutable and so it will also be wise for one to check on the latest trends of ride-hailing business and make sure that he fully complies with the laid down laws and regulations in the region for a safe and easy ride.