The transport ministry has drafted a regulation focused on taxi activities. A key element of the plan is to empower regional authorities in cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sevastopol, and other regions to set the cap on how many passenger taxis can operate within their jurisdictions.
The aim, as described in documents reviewed by Izvestia, is to improve how transport services are organized for residents and to ease pressure on the road network. The draft regulation has already received alignment from several government departments, including the ministries of Labor, Finance, Economic Development, Industry and Trade, as well as supervisory bodies such as Rostransnadzor and the Federal Tax Service. It has also cleared the Government Commission on Legislative Activities and is expected to be submitted to the State Duma soon for consideration.
Nevertheless, the Federal Antimonopoly Service has voiced objections to granting local authorities the power to limit taxi numbers in a region. The agency argues that the proposal introduces significant barriers for taxi aggregators and could distort the balance of supply and demand in the market. The FAS also questions measures that would set fares and require aggregators to open branches in every subject of the Federation, suggesting such steps could hinder market competition.
Industry experts link the proposed measures to concerns about clustering of drivers and the resulting impact on earnings. The draft also envisions allowing self employed drivers to participate in taxi platforms through formal agreements with aggregators. At present, those who wish to transport passengers generally need to establish a legal entity or register as an individual entrepreneur. If the regulation passes, independent drivers could join platforms as individuals after signing a contract with an aggregator, which would broaden participation while maintaining oversight on market dynamics.
Analysts emphasize that the shift aims to balance availability of taxi services with road safety and urban mobility goals. Observers note that a regional cap would help prevent oversaturation in busy corridors while still enabling flexible service options. The regulatory approach is framed as part of a broader effort to modernize urban transport and ensure predictable conditions for drivers, passengers, and operators alike, with ongoing monitoring planned by authorities and industry stakeholders.
In summary, the proposed regulation seeks to give regional authorities more control over taxi operations, potentially adjusting cap levels and related practices to reflect local needs. While the plan has earned broad administrative support, it faces scrutiny from competition authorities concerned about market disruption. The outcome will hinge on balancing performance, affordability, and accessibility of taxi services across different territories while accommodating self employed drivers who wish to participate through proper aggregators. Cited sources indicate that the government expects to advance the measure through parliamentary channels in the near term, pending further regulatory review and stakeholder input.