This week's Top 3: Czech Government to significantly deregulate the taxi trade, Cabify finds a way around the rules in Catalonia, and emergency fines for unlicensed taxi drivers in Romania.
1. Significant deregulation of taxis by the Czech Government
The Czech Government has approved an amendment to the existing law which will allow ride hailing companies to operate legally alongside taxis. The changes mean that taximeters are no longer required in licensed taxis and taxis drivers will no longer have to pass exams testing their geographic knowledge of a specific area. Ride hailing drivers will require taxi licences to operate, and operators will require a trade licence. The amendments will now be sent to the Czech Chamber of Deputies for approval.
2. Cabify returns to Barcelona with an ingenious plan
Cabify has re-entered the ride hailing market in Barcelona, having previously withdrawn due to new regulations imposed by the Catalan Government. Cabify have adjusted their business model to comply with the new requirement that all ride hailing trips must be booked at least 15 minutes in advance of when they actually take place. Cabify will make its users book their first trip 15 minutes in advance under a new customer contract, which will assume thereafter that the customer has entered a permanent transportation contract, allowing the company to send subsequent vehicles to that user instantaneously. The contract with be concluded with Prestige and Limousine, a private hire company recently bought by Cabify.
3. Romania introduces €1,000 fines for private transport services
Romania's Ministry of Public Administration has published a draft emergency ordinance which will impose fines of up to €1,000 on those found to be offering private transport services without the necessary licence. Previously fines could only be levied on those found repeatedly to be in breach of the regulations. In Romania it is illegal to transport passengers in a private vehicle, for a fee, without having a taxi licence.
This is a weekly note from Inline Policy's Mobility Policy and Regulation Team, it covers the top three developments in the regulation of on-demand transport in Europe. It covers taxis, ride-sharing, car sharing, carpooling, bikes, e-bikes, scooters, shared mopeds and anything else that's relevant to the sector. If you'd like to receive this direct to your inbox then please enter your email address below:
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