Change in public transport policy: Discontinuing passenger transport license transfers

The new regulation states that effective September 1, 2024, the ministry will no longer honor the transfer for public transport permit requests.  

Every citizen should have the same opportunity to obtain a public transport permit. However, the reality is different.

There are maximum numbers for each type of public transport permit (bus, taxi, tour, unregulated, rental). Currently, it entails a maximum of  465 issued permits, with some extensions pending. Many taxi drivers, when they no longer want or can drive, request to transfer their permit to someone of their choice.

According to the law, the Minister of Transport can approve a transfer to a family member of the taxi driver. Persons who were not a "family member" of the taxi driver got these transfers in the past. This possibility of transfer was misused to sell the permit, which is not allowed. The possibility of transfer has resulted in many of these permits not being turned in for the government to grant other applicants. It created a closed system where permits, which are public property, remain within families or go to a person chosen by the taxi driver and are even sold illegally.

In September 2022, Minister Arends revoked the policy of former Minister Romero of Transportation and introduced stricter regulations. The next step is to stop the transfer of permits, promoting equal opportunities for all citizens who wish to obtain one.

The new regulation states that from September 1, 2024, requests for the transfer of public transport permits will not be honored. Requests submitted before September 1, 2024, will be processed according to the policy in effect on September 26, 2022. As of September 1, 2024, the policy of September 26, 2022, will be revoked, and there will be no more transfers of permits.