The ongoing discussion in Russia’s transport policy circles centers on a proposed rule set by the Ministry of Transport that would limit taxi drivers to a maximum of 12 working hours per day. This move is being reported by the press, with a focus on how it could reshape daily operations for ride-hailing and traditional taxi services alike. The aim, according to officials, is to introduce greater safeguards for driver well-being and to reduce exposure to fatigue-related errors behind the wheel, a concern echoed by road safety advocates and industry observers across the country.
Under the proposed framework, authorities would instruct taxi service platforms and dispatch operations to prevent drivers who have already accumulated 12 hours of work from taking on additional orders. This instruction would effectively cap the workload for individual drivers within a single 24-hour period, ensuring that long shifts do not become the norm and that opportunities for rest are embedded into standard work patterns. The ministry’s guidance highlights a precautionary approach to curb situations where exhaustion could compromise judgment, reaction times, and overall driving performance on busy urban corridors and intercity routes alike.
In parallel, the ministry has suggested that a driver should be granted a break no later than five hours after the start of a shift. Failing to take this scheduled pause could temporarily block access to new orders, reinforcing the idea that breaks are not merely optional but integral to safe operation in a competitive transportation market. Proponents argue that mandatory rests would harmonize safety with efficiency, helping to align taxi and ride-hailing practices with best-practice standards observed in other sectors that rely on sustained alertness and careful decision-making during high-demand periods.
Industry experts have weighed in with tempered optimism, noting that while the measure could offer meaningful safety benefits, it would require technical refinements to be fully implementable across diverse platforms and regions. They point to complexities such as varying citywide demand patterns, peak-hour surges, and the need for robust data reporting to verify compliance without interrupting service levels for customers who depend on timely rides. The discussion has also touched on how the rule would interact with shift patterns, driver incentives, and the ability of platforms to adapt dispatch algorithms while preserving earnings and coverage in less congested areas.
Speaking to the broader implications, Anton Shaparin, a vice president at the National Automobile Association, noted that many taxi drivers already juggle multiple pickup assignments and could, in practice, switch to alternative tasks if one assignment approaches the 12-hour limit. His perspective underscores a potential challenge for operators: balancing driver safety with the public’s need for reliable transportation, especially in cities where taxi and ride-hailing services operate around the clock. The discussion remains nuanced, recognizing that worker protections must be paired with practical mechanisms that prevent service gaps during late-night hours, weekends, and major events when demand spikes unpredictably. The policy dialogue continues as stakeholders assess how to implement enforcement that is fair, transparent, and technologically feasible for both small fleets and large operators.