Taxi drivers face specialised training

Baku/07.11.23/Turan: Taxi drivers are facing new rules requiring them to undergo training to gain access to the route.

In order to improve the quality and professionalism of taxi services in Azerbaijan, the Cabinet of Ministers issued a directive dated 4 September 2023. This directive required the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, in co-operation with relevant government agencies, to prepare and submit proposals on technical standards, interior and exterior design requirements for vehicles used for taxi passenger transport, as well as a list of driver qualifications within four months.

Once the technical specifications and design requirements are established and approved, taxi vehicles meeting these criteria will be eligible for a special permit from the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA). This event is expected to open a new page of standardisation and quality control in the taxi industry.

However, these regulatory changes do not only apply to vehicles. According to the "Law on Road Transport", taxi drivers must undergo specialised training covering ethical behaviour and a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory and legal aspects of road passenger transport.

As a result, drivers who do not have documentation of having completed this specialised training will not be eligible to apply for a work permit and licence, effectively disqualifying them from working as taxi drivers. The new regulations are designed to ensure that taxi services are provided by individuals who are well versed in the necessary standards and legal requirements, ultimately benefiting both drivers and passengers.

To facilitate this training, drivers can enrol in courses offered by the AYNA training centre located at 39C Ziya Bunyadov Avenue, Baku City, or attend vocational schools identified by the State Vocational Education Agency. The aim is to provide accessible and comprehensive training opportunities for all taxi drivers.

It is worth noting that to date a significant number of individuals, a total of 11,845, have already participated in these training programmes, indicating a significant response to the new regulations and a desire to raise the standards of the taxi industry in Azerbaijan. The move towards standardised training and vehicle requirements is expected to improve safety, quality of service and professionalism in the sector, benefiting both taxi drivers and passengers.-0-