Registration of Tbilisi Taxis Starts Today
The mandatory registration of taxis in the capital of Georgia, announced by Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze in January, was launched today.
Tbilisi City Hall says that a taxi service permit can be obtained by any person who has a driver's license and wants to get paid in exchange for transporting passengers. The driver should have a vehicle which has no more than 8 seats, not including the driver’s seat.
Drivers need to fill in the online application at www.taxi.tbilisi.gov.ge and afterwards pay a one-year permit fee of 50 GEL for hybrid vehicles, 100 GEL for ordinary cars. There is no charge for eco-friendly electronic vehicles.
"After filling in the registration form, the applicant is authorized to use the username and password. After authorization, the permit seeker must sign the rules and conditions electronically using the ID card,” the Mayor’s Office stated.
A permit seeker who has already passed authorization then needs to indicate the unique taxi code and registration number of the vehicle, after which the vehicle will be reflected in the applicant’s personal space, creating an electronic application for permission.
The applicant will then receive an invoice stateing the registration fee, which can be paid online or at the bank. The permit will be issued only in electronic form, upon payment of the fee.
The permit certificate, which the driver receives electronically, contains the following data: the driver's photo, driver's name and surname, permit number, date of issue of the permit and validity period, state number of vehicle, model of transport, and a fast feedback code (QR code).
The owner of the permit must:
- Print the permit and display it in the car, so that the passengers can read it.
- Transfer the passengers only by means of the registered vehicle
- Place a yellow taxi sign on the car roof
- Maintain sanitary-hygienic norms in the means of transport
- Not transport more passengers than permitted
- Not let passengers get in or get out of the car using the left-hand doors
- Not transport additional passengers without consulting the client
- Take items left in the taxi to the bureau of lost items or the relevant police department
- Support the person conducting controls.
“The Control Implementation Agency is authorized to carry out the inspection of taxis at any time during the year. Violation of permit conditions will result in administrative penalties or suspension of issued permits,” the City Hall said.
From 2019, additional requirements for taxi drivers will enter into force.
By Thea Morrison
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