Heetch Drivers: a Guaranteed Minimum Income of 30 Euros per Hour?

The French VTC service Heetch offers its drivers a minimum net income of 30 euros per hour of driving starting in June.

Heetch is taking the lead in the VTC sector by offering its employees a minimum net income of 30 euros per hour of driving. Following a decision setting the minimum fare at 7.65 euros in March, the VTC service Heetch thus proposes to guarantee a fixed income for its drivers.

Indeed, unlike taxis which have their rates regulated by the government, VTC platforms are free to set their prices. Drivers’ earnings therefore vary depending on the day worked. This limits the financial security of drivers.

With this guaranteed minimum income of 30 euros per hour driven, drivers can earn up to 4,200 euros per month. This figure is based on 35 hours per week and 4 weeks in a month. Heetch commits to making up the difference if the driver earns less than 30 euros per hour each week.

What are the expenses to become a VTC driver?

Heetch is making a kind gesture towards its employees, but this will not offset the costs of operating a VTC. Drivers must pay certain charges which will reduce their monthly earnings.

For example, a VTC driver is a self-employed entrepreneur. They must obtain a professional VTC license costing 60 euros to create their own business. To obtain it, they will need to pass a VTC exam. The license is valid for five years, after which they must retake the test.

In addition, once their professional VTC activity is launched, drivers must pay taxes and submit declarations based on their income. VTC drivers also own their own vehicle, which they often have to pay off through a loan or rental. The type of authorized vehicle is also regulated, and you can find the details here.

Once the activity is underway, drivers must register with the VTC registry and obtain professional liability insurance. These two elements are also costs to consider when starting a VTC business.

Finally, the last cost to consider is fuel or electric charging. A study by ADEME conducted in 2016 recorded an average travel distance of 9 km per ride.

The guaranteed minimum income from Heetch will not cover the total costs of operating a VTC. However, it will help drivers to at least cover some of their expenses!

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