24,000 euros for more safety: support for the fiftyfifty taxi!

24,000 euros for more safety: support for the fiftyfifty taxi!

The successful “fiftyFifty-Taxi” project in the Ostalbkreis continues to receive strong support. At a recent meeting, the project's long-standing partners confirmed their willingness to support the project and jointly donated 4,000 euros each. These donations were ceremoniously handed over to District Administrator Joachim Bläse and the project coordinator Simone Rettenmaier. Bläse emphasized the importance of the project for the safe journey home of young people and thanked the supporters from the region.

For more than 20 years, “fiftyFifty-Taxi” has been ensuring that teenagers and young adults up to the age of 25 can get home safely on weekends and before public holidays. Travel times are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and on the evenings before public holidays. The offer is ideal for those who enjoy going out, as the travel costs are not calculated based on the number of passengers, but rather based on the kilometers driven. The price for a trip is between 10 and 100 euros, which is particularly beneficial for groups who can share the costs. This also makes it easier for parents to worry less about the safety of their children.

Supportive and practical app

The commitment to the “fiftyFifty Taxi” is reflected in the broad support base, which consists of well-known companies such as Carl Zeiss AG, Hensoldt Optronics GmbH, and Kreissparkasse Ostalb. The Ostalb Volksbanks and Raiffeisenbanks also contributed their part. These partnerships are a crucial factor for the long-term success of the project, as the financial support from the partners often covers the difference in the cost of the trips, which the young users do not have to cover themselves. Thanks to this model, financially weaker groups can also benefit from cost-effective mobility.

In April 2015, an innovative app was introduced that makes using the “fiftyFifty Taxi” even easier. Users can receive an electronic authorization card on their smartphone by scanning the QR code of the taxi serial number and entering the number of passengers and the taxi price. What is particularly practical is that young people only have to pay half of the travel costs using the app. This app is specifically available on weekends from 10pm to 6am and has revolutionized the use of the program since 2016 as it is now mandatory.

For anyone who would like more information about the project and the app – the Sustainable Mobility Division of the Ostalbkreis District Office has plenty of material. This means no one is left behind when it comes to safe and cheap journeys home. All those involved have shown a good knack for continuing to transport young people in the region safely and cost-effectively. The project has become deeply rooted in the region and continues to enjoy great popularity.

Further details on supporting the “fiftyFifty-Taxi” can be found at Swabian and the functionality of the app below Ostalbkreis.