Ministry of Transport held a second dialogue on taxi permit transfer and equal opportunities.

This meeting was a follow-up about the two not enacted Ministerial Decrees (MB).

The first MB, in the transparency framework, focused on general interest points, particularly creating equal opportunities for everyone who wishes to apply for a taxi permit. The second MB involves increasing the permissible seating capacity in taxi vehicles from 5 to 7 seats.
Minister Arends assured the taxi drivers that he was there to listen to them and to present his opinion on why the changes in the ministerial decree were necessary. The two main points are equal opportunity and combating corruption.

One of the concerns expressed by the taxi representatives was the pension regulations for taxi drivers, for which the minister took the initiative to approach pension funds to explore what possibilities exist for the taxi drivers. There are possibilities, but the drivers must organize their financial situation. The first step is to register with the Chamber of Commerce.

After the first session with the taxi drivers, which took place on Tuesday, August 6, the minister presented a concept for the policy implementation related to the transfer of permits, focusing on the general interest and equal opportunities for citizens who wish to apply for one.
The Minister of Transport will also help and support those who hold a taxi permit, where possible, to achieve responsible financial arrangements, including pensions, insurance, and compliance with their fiscal obligations.

Minister Arends reiterated his commitment to ensuring equal opportunities in public transport. The policy will also pay attention to empowering the position of assistant drivers and changes in a traditional system that has granted privileges to a group that does not necessarily serve the general interest. The policy implementation is to prevent harm to permit holders.

The next dialogue with representatives of the different taxi groups is on August 21, 2024.