Minister announces increase in taxi prices

Baku/13.06.23/Turan:  Rashad Nabiyev, the Minister of Digital Development and Transport, addressed the Milli Majlis regarding changes in legislation related to the transport sector.

During his speech, the Minister highlighted the progress made in the country's transport and logistics infrastructure in line with President Ilham Aliyev's directives. Nabiyev stated, "Over the past two decades, approximately 20,000 kilometers of highways have been constructed, railways have been built or restored, new airports have been commissioned, and the Baku International Commercial Sea Port and Baku Shipbuilding Plant have been established."

However, the Minister acknowledged that despite improvements in institutional management efficiency, institutional reforms, and infrastructure investments, gaps in regulation were identified. Nabiyev stated, "These deficiencies were primarily observed in intercity and international passenger and cargo transportation, as well as the organization of bus stations and taxi services."

To address these gaps, the Minister proposed certain measures to the Milli Majlis, including:

• The requirement of appropriate permits for international passenger and cargo transportation, domestic cargo and registered passenger transportation, and passenger transportation by taxi.
• The introduction of an access card for each vehicle involved in the specified passenger and cargo transportation.
• Mandatory special training for drivers engaged in internal passenger and cargo transportation using public vehicles and drivers of taxi cars as a basis for issuing permits.

Similar requirements were also proposed for intercity and international passenger and cargo transportation.

Nabiyev highlighted that while the proposed amendments covered both the passenger and freight transportation markets, the most pressing concern for society, as well as the subject of recent public discussions, was related to taxi services.

The Minister mentioned that the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport conducted a comprehensive study, with the participation of consulting companies, to thoroughly examine the existing problems. The study revealed several issues:

A. The number of taxis per thousand people in Baku is 4-5 times higher than in comparable cities, leading to traffic congestion and environmental problems.

B. Drivers are working for excessively long hours, ranging from 14-16 hours per day, posing safety risks and violating labor legislation.

C. Over 50% of taxis involved in taxi activities exceed a lifespan of 15 years, presenting environmental and safety hazards.

D. Taxis make significantly more trips per day compared to private cars, exacerbating traffic congestion and environmental risks.

E. A significant portion of drivers operates within the shadow economy, with very few having obtained the required "badge of distinction."

Consequently, amendments to the legislation were proposed to regulate taxi activities, define appropriate standards, and establish a control mechanism. The Minister emphasized that these reforms aimed to enhance mobility in Baku, improve public access to public transport, and alleviate traffic congestion.

In conclusion, Rashad Nabiyev expressed confidence that the proposed amendments to regulatory legal acts would enhance legislation in the passenger and cargo transportation sector. He believed these changes would contribute to the country's economic development while safeguarding the interests of entrepreneurs.