Strategic Priorities for Russia’s Taxi Sector Highlighted at the X International Eurasian Taxi Forum
In Moscow, the X International Eurasian Taxi Forum laid out the future course for the taxi industry, outlining key initiatives positioned to unfold over the coming years. The discussions centered on safety, digital transformation, and the creation of clear operating rules that respond to evolving economic conditions.
- The foremost aim is to bolster safety across the taxi sector. This includes a concerted effort to reduce road accidents involving passenger taxis. Collaborative work with supervisory authorities is essential, driven by the troubling statistics from Russia in 2021, which reported 3,700 taxi-related crashes and 149 fatalities. In two-thirds of those incidents, taxi drivers were found responsible, underscoring the need for tighter oversight and better safety protocols.
- A second major focus is the digital modernization of the taxi industry. Plans emphasize developing digital profiles for drivers, expanding telemedicine access, and implementing remote vehicle inspections. These steps are designed to raise service quality, improve driver health monitoring, and streamline regulatory compliance across the fleet.
- The third pillar addresses the industry’s regulatory framework. Participants stressed the urgency of establishing a robust set of operating rules that align with current economic realities and technological advances. A clear regulatory baseline is expected to guide operators, manufacturers, and service providers through the transition to a more data-driven, efficient taxi ecosystem.
Experts argue that a well-defined rulebook will help resolve present challenges and shape sustainable growth for the sector. A new draft bill has advanced to the State Duma, signaling a move toward codified standards that can support safety, transparency, and innovation. Delegations from 45 regions and six foreign states contributed to the discussions, and the proposals presented at the forum will influence future regulatory drafting and policy adjustments.
Speaking on the forum outcomes, Dina Goryacheva, director of ANO MEFT, noted that shifts in state economic and social policy are prompting changes among large companies and business models. Yet the demand for taxi services remains strong as a mass transportation option, facilitating a substantial share of daily mobility. She emphasized the sector’s role in the national economy and its social function, which remains a cornerstone of urban life and regional development .
The International Eurasian Forum “Taxi” ran from August 4 to 5 in Moscow, drawing about 1,000 participants including federal and regional government representatives, industry experts, and professionals from taxi and related sectors. The event served as a platform for exchanging perspectives on regulation, safety, technology, and service delivery that will shape taxi operations across the region in the years ahead.
- Notes about the forum and related updates can be found in official channels and industry roundups published after the event .
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