The taxi company V-Tax from Ghent has closed its books. 92 drivers and 8 clerks are at risk of losing their jobs. Personnel director Koen Van Cauwenberge says that requested visits are still being made, but that the staff expect clarity soon.
V-Tax filed for bankruptcy Wednesday morning. A curator must investigate whether the company can be restarted under another owner. The taxi company has been in financial trouble for years, according to the annual accounts. The losses increased year after year.
In addition, there was competition from Uber street taxis, which, thanks to a decision by the Flemish government, are allowed to drive freely in Ghent and do not have to comply with the same rules to ‘station taxis’, such as those at V-Tax.
A problem with insurance costs for V-Tax cars, which had skyrocketed after the previous insurer collapsed, is said to be the last straw for the company.
Keep driving
V-Tax employees are waiting for clarity, but they will continue to work for now, even if they are not sure if they will be paid. “We don’t want to let our customers down,” said personnel director Koen Van Cauwenberge. “The value of V-Tax is its customer base.”
V-Tax has around 30 vehicles in its fleet. This applies to several hybrid Toyotas, luxury vehicles such as the Ford Mustang and many vans. The company has a long history and is known as the largest taxi company in Ghent.
The company had problems in 2006, but a new operator came in. V-Tax has been run on paper ever since by an owner from Monaco. Under his leadership the company was again in bad shape.
2024-08-21 09:00:56
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