Geneva, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – The Tribune de Geneve 13 February carries a lengthy article about the problems passengers have with taxis at the airport, in particular the illegal refusal of some drivers to accept clients for short drives to nearby hotels.

In an interview, the director of the Service du Commerce, which oversees the taxi business, estimates the number of drivers who don’t respect regulations at 20%. He also notes that his team of seven people, who recorded 80 infractions in the past three months, are too few and in any event known to drivers.

The Tribune lists regulations taxi drivers must observe, including the obligation to drive the shortest distance unless asked to do otherwise and to take a client for any destination within 50 km and that includes very short distances. Clients have the right to a receipt and the counter must remain on, with the amount not exceeding what is on the counter with a few exceptions such as paying tolls in France. If there is a dispute over the price, the client has the right to ask to be taken to the nearest police station. Complaints should be addressed by e-mail to SCom: scom@etat.ge.ch