There is a risk that road traffic around Lyon will be disrupted on Monday by a demonstration by taxi drivers, warned the Rhône prefecture, which is recommending drivers to cancel their journey or to use public transport. Several taxi unions in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes have declared to transfer services “which aim to prevent several routes in and out of the Lyon assembly”, explains the prefecture in a notification news, which expects “strong disruption”.
Complaint against agreement with Health Insurance
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The taxis are protesting against an agreement currently being negotiated with the Health Insurance for the transport of seated patients, which could be signed in December. According to Abdel Grine, president of the Federation of Independent Taxis of the Rhône (FTI69) contacted by AFP on Sunday, two points cause the anger of the taxis: prices “revised significantly down” and the duty of “taxi shared”.
“The service involves transporting patients in a seated position, which we all have a special bond with as taxi drivers,” explained Mr Grine. “The service will decline” if the conditions to put that in place, he is sure. “It’s more a move for our patients than for the taxi itself.” public transport to take or telework”, according to a press release published on Saturday.
Blocking “from 5am”?
The barriers could start “as early as 5am” marking this same store, at several entry points in the Lyon metropolitan area. In addition, several highways around Lyon could be significantly reduced by traffic in taxi convoys coming from nearby regions and coming towards the city, and here “from 4:00 am”: A7 (south), A43 (southeast), A42 (northeast), A47 (southwest) and A89 (northwest).
The prefecture calls for “extreme vigilance and calmness when approaching all checkpoints”. The police will be deployed “for the safety of all”. “The Prefect of Rhône has told the organizers of this movement that no permanent restrictions will be accepted,” it is specified in the press release. “State services will not accept any action to prevent access to hospitals to filter,” he warns the prefecture.
2024-12-01 13:33:00
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## Lyon braces for Taxi Protests: Traffic Chaos and Patient Access Concerns Loom
Lyon residents face potential travel disruptions on Monday as taxi drivers plan a large-scale presentation, threatening to snarl traffic around the city. The demonstration, stemming from frustration with a proposed agreement between taxi unions and the health Insurance regarding patient transport, has raised concerns about accessibility to healthcare and the potential for significant economic impact.
To shed light on the multifaceted issue, World Today News spoke with **Abdel Grine**, President of the Federation of Independent Taxis of the Rhône (FTI69), and **Dr. Sophie Dubois**, Head of Transportation Logistics at Lyon’s University Hospital, to gain divergent perspectives on the situation.
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### Taxi Driver Grievances: Fair Pay and Patient Focus
**World Today News:** Mr. Grine, can you elaborate on the taxi drivers’ reasons for protesting the Health Insurance agreement?
**Abdel Grine:** this agreement feels deeply unfair. They’ve drastically reduced the fees we receive for transporting seated patients, which already wasn’t a highly profitable service. On top of that, they’re pushing for a “taxi-sharing” system, where drivers would be picking up multiple patients at once. it diminishes the individualized care we provide and creates logistical nightmares.
**World Today news:** How do you anticipate this protest impacting patient access to healthcare?
**Abdel Grine:** Our intent is not to disrupt healthcare access, but to raise awareness and force a renegotiation.
We understand the vital role we play, especially for vulnerable patients who rely on taxis. This protest is our last resort to ensure fair compensation and maintain the quality of service our patients deserve.
**World Today News:** What specific changes are you hoping to see in the agreement?
**Abdel Grine:** We need transparent pricing that reflects the true cost of these patient transports. And we need assurances that the “taxi-sharing” concept won’t compromise patient safety or privacy.
### Hospital Concerns: Balancing Access and Operational disruption
**World Today News:** Dr. Dubois, how prepared is Lyon’s healthcare system to handle potential disruptions caused by the taxi strike?
**Dr. Sophie Dubois:** We’re taking this situation very seriously. We’ve been working closely with local authorities and taxi unions, urging them to find a solution that minimizes impact on patient care.
>“Our priority is ensuring timely access to healthcare for all our patients, irrespective of their transportation needs.”
– **Dr. Sophie Dubois**
We’re encouraging patients with non-urgent appointments to consider rescheduling,while exploring choice transportation options for those requiring immediate care.
**World Today News:** how do you view the taxi drivers’ concerns regarding compensation and the “taxi-sharing” model?
**Dr. Sophie Dubois:** While we understand the economic challenges faced by taxi drivers,patient well-being must remain paramount.
The proposed “taxi-sharing” model requires a careful and transparent implementation plan, prioritizing patient comfort, safety, and confidentiality.
We are committed to collaborating with all parties involved to find a sustainable and equitable solution that addresses the concerns of both taxi drivers and patients alike.
***
### Looking Ahead: A Call for Compromise
The taxi protest in Lyon underscores the delicate balance between economic realities, transportation infrastructure, and access to essential healthcare. While disruptions are anticipated, both taxi drivers and healthcare providers emphasize their commitment to minimizing the impact on patients.
Open dialog and a spirit of compromise are crucial to navigating this complex issue and finding a long-term solution that benefits all stakeholders.
**What are your thoughts on the taxi protest in lyon? share your opinions in the comments below.**
**For further reading on healthcare accessibility and transportation issues, check out these articles:**
* [Link to relevant article 1]
* [Link to relevant article 2]
