Practice since 2012 has shown that some conditions have to be adjusted, admitted by the Ministry of Transport.
The National Council of the Slovak Republic has approved an amendment to the Road Transport Act, which aims to create more suitable conditions for taxi business and to promote the use of digital platforms. It is effective from 1 April 2019.
Customizing electronization
According to the transport sector, the new law is designed to prevent illegal business and ensure more effective control.
At present, a concession is needed to operate a taxi and legal conditions must be met. Practice since 2012 has shown that some conditions need to be adjusted.
The law added a new form of business, namely dispatching. A new dispatching definition is understood to mean the mediation of passenger transport services by vehicles with a capacity of up to nine persons, including the driver, for example, by telephone, digital platform or otherwise.
“It is about adapting the conditions to the trend, because the future lies in the electronization of services and it is necessary to adapt not only to the current conditions, but also to the trends,” explained the transport sector.
Less duties
In addition, taxi drivers now have to prove financial reliability, have a proficiency test, an additional insurance policy, or a taximeter. The amendment cancels most of these obligations.
Newly, they will have to have a driving license, also a car, whether they own it or have to prove that they can use the car. At the same time, they will have to obtain a license to operate a taxi and be blameless. They will also have to mark the car as a taxi.
Control by the municipal police
Until now, only municipalities have been able to control, the new municipal and state police should also be able to stop the car and check it. Inspections can also be carried out by the Slovak Trade Inspectorate and the Labor Inspectorate. Penalties will also be increased for infringements.
The amendment also regulates the conditions relating to the taxis and the driver of the taxis and the general obligations of the taxis.
