Overview of Proposed Taxi Legislation and Forum Outcomes
Key points from the planned changes surfaced during the strategic session titled “Developing a Bill on Taxis: The Final Round,” held within the framework of the X International Eurasian Forum “TAXI” (IEFT). The discussion focused on what is likely to unfold in lawmaking circles as authorities consider updates to taxi regulation, aiming to sharpen safety, accountability, and efficiency in urban and regional mobility networks.
Several innovations are expected to directly impact both drivers and passengers. One major proposal involves establishing a minimum passenger rate for cities designated as federal interests and the surrounding regions. For other areas within the federation, the final figures have not yet been named, reflecting a staged or regional approach to tariff policy rather than a nationwide price floor at this stage. Experts note that there is still a pressing need for clear, implementable guidelines on rate setting to prevent ambiguity and ensure fair compensation for drivers while protecting consumer interests.
Alongside rate considerations, there was a push to incorporate clearer rules on carrier liability insurance into the bill. This addition would help define responsibilities and risk management for taxi operators, improving transparency for passengers and lenders and strengthening oversight for regulatory authorities.
The proposed law also places a strong emphasis on passenger safety. In practical terms, this means that the constituent regional authorities will have the latitude to determine the level of local knowledge required of a driver before they are permitted to operate a taxi. Such decisions will shape a formal certification framework, with a concrete set of requirements that drivers must meet to verify their competence and reliability in specific urban environments. At the same time, the bill expands the list of grounds that could disqualify a driver from service, reinforcing the commitment to safe, rule-abiding operation across all jurisdictions.
Drafting work on the law has progressed to the point of submission to the State Duma for review. While the document is in circulation, it is not yet in its final form. Participants at the forum underscored that feedback received during the international event is expected to drive a number of amendments before the bill proceeds further through the legislative process.
In addition to core policy provisions, there is an awareness of the need for practical guidance that supports consistent implementation. The dialogue at the forum highlighted the importance of aligning tariff structures, certification standards, and safety prerequisites with real-world taxi operations, ensuring that changes are not only theoretically sound but also feasible for fleets, independent drivers, and regulatory bodies to administer.
Overall, the discussions reflect a cautious but purposeful approach to modernizing taxi regulation. The proposed measures aim to balance price discipline with protection for consumers, while reinforcing the safety and accountability framework that governs road mobility in a rapidly changing urban landscape. As the drafting process continues, stakeholders anticipate targeted adjustments that reflect diverse regional contexts and contemporary mobility needs, all while keeping the ultimate goal in clear view: safer, more reliable taxi services for riders and a sustainable operating environment for drivers.
Note: Further communications and updates will be provided as the State Duma reviews the draft and as regional authorities refine their local implementation plans.
Photo: Yaroslav Chingaev/TASS and MEFT press office