COVID-19 has shown us both how reliant we are on gig workers, and how vulnerable such workers are in major crises. After the crisis is over, policymakers will have to decide whether the gig economy and its ecosystem is something to be championed, or something to be managed via further regulations.
Recent Posts
COVID-19 will force governments to show their hands on the gig economy
Written by Matthew Niblett on 06 May 2020
Why a European AB5 is still some way off
Written by Matthew Niblett on 06 Mar 2020
California’s recent regulation to address perceived imbalances in the gig economy (known as AB5) has set tongues wagging about the future of companies like Uber and Lyft. Given Europe’s reputation for being tough on tech giants, is a similar intervention on this side of the Atlantic now inevitable?
Transport tech: friend or foe to the green agenda?
Written by Matthew Niblett on 30 Jan 2020
European countries and cities want to reduce their carbon emissions, with transport being one of the highest priority areas. Ride hailing, e-scooters, and car sharing firms all think that they have a part to play, but they are often unpopular amongst urban policymakers. Why is this, and how can policymakers make better use of these innovations in order to meet their climate change targets?
Inline’s at-a-glance guide to the 2019 election
Written by Matthew Niblett on 02 Dec 2019
The UK’s fast approaching elections will have major ramifications for businesses, citizens and Britain’s relationship with the rest of the world. Our one-page guide summarises where each of the major parties stands on the most important policy issues for the tech sector.
Mobility-as-a-Service in Europe: A Policy Analysis
Written by Matthew Niblett on 06 Nov 2019
As Mobility-as-a-Service increasingly grabs the attention of policymakers and businesses alike, Inline’s new report looks at the MaaS policy challenges across Europe, and what regulators are doing to address those questions.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 27 September 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 27 Sep 2019
This week's top three: Uber gets two more months in London; Paris e-scooter backlash continues apace; Labour promises "people's Zipcar".
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 20 September 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 20 Sep 2019
This week's top three: Estonia becomes the latest European country to legislate for e-scooters, Spanish taxi union goes after ride hailing employment model in the courts, and Berlin police publish e-scooter accident stats.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 13 September 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 13 Sep 2019
This week's top three: On demand transport benefits from massive Paris strike; Porto seeks to learn lessons from Lisbon's "jungle" e-scooters regulations; and Munich taxi drivers call for ride hailing clampdown
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 6 September 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 06 Sep 2019
This week's top three: Ireland considers age limits and maximum speed for e-scooters; Under 18s and non-drivers to be banned from using e-scooters in Malta; and German Environment Agency says scooters can replace cars in suburbs.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 30 August 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 30 Aug 2019
This week's top three: Milan paves way for introduction of e-scooters; new figures show ride hailing on the rise in Spain; and Romania to update road regulations to include e-scooters.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 23 August 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 23 Aug 2019
This week's top three: New European mobility regulations proposed; UK Government vehicles should be used for car sharing, says report; and Barcelona to issue tender for e-bikes and scooters "soon"
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 16 August 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 16 Aug 2019
This week's top three: Berlin authorities press e-scooter operators with voluntary agreements; City of Madrid looks to significantly deregulate taxis; and Brussels Regional transport authority calls on cities to designate no e-scooter zones.
When regulation goes wrong: ride hailing in Spain
Written by Matthew Niblett on 14 Aug 2019
Over the last two years ride hailing policy in Spain has been mired in conflict between the industry, taxi drivers, national government, local governments and competition authorities. Rules have been changed, challenged, revised and devolved, leaving a fragmented system that does not work well for any of the stakeholders.
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 9 August 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 09 Aug 2019
This week's top three: Spanish competition watchdog sues Barcelona over its ride hailing regulations; German cities call for more control over e-scooters; and taxi drivers urge Prime Minister to introduce ride hailing cap in London
Top 3 On Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 2 August 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 02 Aug 2019
This week's top three: Paris e-scooter ordinance comes into force; German taxi drivers sue Uber; and Milan adopts new rules for e-scooters following national legalisation.