What Geneva law says (LTVTC)
The Geneva law on taxis and transport vehicles with driver (LTVTC, rsGE H 1 31) defines the two categories in its article 5:
- A taxi is a vehicle whose driver makes themselves available to the public to transport people for a fee within the maximum limits set by the canton. It complements public transport, enjoys increased use of the public domain and holds the exclusive right to use the designation "Taxi".
- A transport vehicle with driver (VTC) is a vehicle whose driver transports people by prior order or reservation only, for a fee agreed with the customer. It enjoys neither increased use of the public domain nor the "Taxi" designation.
In both cases the driver must hold a professional card issued by the canton (article 7), which requires among other things the professional transport licence, three years of driving licence, good repute and a professional driver diploma. The full text is available on the Geneva systematic collection of laws (in French), and the procedures on ge.ch.
Taxi and VTC in Geneva: the comparison
| Criterion | Taxi in Geneva | VTC (for example with the Suich app) |
|---|---|---|
| How to order | Hailed in the street, taxi rank, phone or app | Prior order or reservation only, through the app |
| Waiting for customers | Allowed at ranks and while driving | Not allowed: the driver only takes ordered rides |
| Price | Fare regulated by the canton (maximum limits) | Price agreed before the ride, shown in the app when ordering |
| Reserved lanes | Access to bus lanes and restricted traffic zones | No access to reserved lanes |
| Scheduling | Depends on the dispatch centre or driver | Instant ride or booked in advance in the app |
| Payment | Depends on the vehicle (cash, card) | Card in the app, TWINT or cash, automatic receipt |
| Vehicle choice | Vehicle assigned | Category chosen when ordering (SUICH, Confort, Berline, Van) |
| Driver | Professional taxi driver card | Professional VTC driver card |
This table reflects the cantonal rules (articles 5, 20 and 24 LTVTC) and how the Suich app works. It does not compare prices: these depend on the trip, the time and, for VTC, the app used.
When to choose a taxi, when to choose a VTC
A taxi remains the solution when you are in the street without a phone, at a rank (Cornavin station, airport, city centre) or when you want a regulated metered fare. It is also the only one allowed to use bus lanes, which can matter at peak times.
A VTC suits you when you want to know the price before leaving, book a ride in advance for a flight or a meeting, choose the size of the vehicle (for example a Van for a group), pay by card, TWINT or cash and find your receipts in a history. That is how Suich works: you order from your phone, like a taxi you call, but with a price set in advance and integrated payment.
A VTC cannot be hailed: if you see a Suich vehicle in the street, you must go through the app to order it. This is a legal obligation, not a choice made by the platform.
Suich, an alternative to taxis ordered from your phone
Suich is a Swiss ride app published by Suich SA in Geneva. It connects riders with independent professional drivers who hold the Geneva VTC card. The service is available across the canton of Geneva, at any time depending on partner driver availability.
- Price announced before the ride, VAT included, defined in consultation with the driver associations Alliance VTC Genève and VTC-Genève.
- Instant or scheduled ride: ideal for Geneva Airport, Cornavin station, a business meeting or an evening out.
- Four vehicle categories and payment by card, TWINT or cash, with receipt.
- Rating after each ride, lost and found through the app, data protected under Swiss law.
Suich never uses the designation "taxi" for its service: it is a VTC platform, and partner drivers operate under the VTC regime of the LTVTC. To book your first trip, see the page ride app in Geneva or download the app.
Frequently asked questions: taxi and VTC in Geneva
Can you hail a VTC in the street in Geneva?
No. Under article 24 of the LTVTC, a VTC may only carry out rides on prior order or reservation. Only taxis may be hailed while driving or wait for customers at ranks.
Is a VTC cheaper than a taxi in Geneva?
It depends on the trip, the time and demand. Taxis apply a fare regulated by the canton; a VTC applies a price agreed before the ride. With Suich, this price is shown in the app before you order, so you can compare with full knowledge.
Are VTC drivers professionals?
Yes. In Geneva, a VTC driver must hold a professional card issued by the canton, which requires the B121 professional transport licence, three years of driving licence, good repute and a diploma obtained after an examination. Suich checks these documents when drivers sign up.
Is Suich a taxi app?
No. Suich is a ride app (VTC): it lets you request an independent professional driver on demand or in advance, with a price known before departure. It works as an alternative to taxis ordered from your phone, without using the designation "taxi", which is reserved by law.
Read more
Download the Suich app
Available on iPhone and Android. Book your ride with a driver in the canton of Geneva.
