Umar
1
Aslamu Aleykum
I am a licensed taxi driver working in Barcelona, Spain. I bought my license for around €135,000 and am strictly required by law to use the taximeter at all times. That means I cannot adjust my prices, even when the streets are full of customers and demand is very high.
Meanwhile, companies like Uber, Cabify, and Bolt — operating under what we call "VTC" licenses here — are allowed to increase their prices based on demand. During peak hours, weekends, or rain, they can charge double, triple, or even more. This happens regularly, and it's completely legal.
What frustrates me deeply is that we, the professional drivers, with more training and a lower accident rate than VTC drivers, are the ones under the tightest restrictions. It feels unfair, and sometimes it honestly makes me angry. We follow stricter rules, yet we are punished with fixed rates in a competitive market that rewards flexibility.
I see many fellow taxi drivers — including Muslims — offering fixed prices higher than the meter during busy times. The client agrees, there's no trick involved, and they make more money.
I truly want to do the same. It’s painful to see others earning more while I hold back. But I stop myself because I believe it might be haram. This belief controls me, and I stay within the rules — even when it feels unfair and I’m losing income.
I am struggling, and I need answers to these sincere questions:
Is it haram to agree on a higher fixed fare with a client during peak times — if they accept clearly, and there is no deception?
In specific cases, such as picking up wealthy clients from luxury hotels, is it haram to add a small extra charge (e.g. €2.50 or €4.50) without informing them, knowing that this amount doesn’t harm them and they likely wouldn’t even notice — although I understand it’s not legally allowed?
This situation is not just confusing — it affects my faith, motivation, and mental peace. I want to earn a living that is halal, but I also want to be treated fairly in a system that feels stacked against us.
I also believe many Muslim taxi drivers around the world share these same doubts and feelings. Your answer could help more than just me.
