Ex-Tbilisi Mayor Against Mandatory Registration of Taxis

Former Mayor of Tbilisi, Gigi Ugulava, who ran the capital when the now opposition the United National Movement (UNM) was the ruling party, disapproves the planned compulsory registration of taxis.

Ugulava, who is now a member of the opposition European Georgia, says that the plan of Mayor Kakha Kaladze to modernize the transport system in Tbilisi, is “superficial”.

“If we look at this year’s budget for the capital, there is not enough money for implementing such a plan. The statement of the Mayor is more like a desire than a real plan,” Ugulava stated.

The ex-Mayor added that obligatory registration of taxis is “unacceptable” as it will leave many families without an income.

Ugulava believes that the registration will be chargeable in the future, adding this will increase bureaucracy.

“I wonder how frequently the sanitary-hygienic norms of taxis will be checked, or in-fact, who will check them, and also whether it will be a source of corruption or not. This reform will result in limiting competition and freedom,” he added.

At the Wednesday Session at City Hall, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze stated that the residents of Tbilisi and visitors to the capital deserve a high-quality, safe and comfortable taxi service.

He said Tbilisi City Hall is going to launch the compulsory registration of taxis, which means that people who want to be taxi drivers will have to apply for a special permit from Tbilisi City Hall.

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: metronome.ge