Regulation on Taxi Cabs Officially Put into Operation

Back in August, it was reported that October 1 would mark the beginning of the second phase of the taxi reform. From today, all taxi drivers have to own a taxi license, and their vehicles must be left-hand drive, white, five-door cars that have successfully passed technical checks. 

The phase of the taxi cab reform breaks down the taxi cabs into two categories; A and B.

Category A taxi cabs must be white. These taxis can take passengers from the street while they’re also being able to work to order. Category A cabs are allowed to park free in different parts of the capital. Taxi drivers who fall under this category can put up promotional banners on their cars.

Category B taxi cabs will only work on order. Many details regarding this category have not been given out. What’s more, Vice Mayor Irakli Khmaladze has reported to the press that as of now, only 24% of the cabs are in the A category. The categorization of the rest of the taxi cabs is still ongoing.  

“30% of the 26,000 licensed taxi cabs could not pass the minimal standard test. 30% is a big number,” said Khmaladze. “During the next few days it will still be possible to get permits,” the Vice Mayor told the press.

Image source: vectorstock.com 
By Nini Dakhundaridze