In Russia, autumn discussions about taxi collection rules could lead to higher travel costs, according to a report by the newspaper News. The article outlines planned changes that may alter how taxi orders are handled and who bears responsibility for licensing. These shifts are expected to ripple through the pricing of rides in the months ahead.
The publication states that, starting in September, new rules for taxi collectors will be introduced. Among the key provisions is a system of fines for transferring orders to drivers who lack an official license. For individuals, penalties could reach three thousand rubles, while legal entities could be fined up to two hundred thousand rubles. This enforcement posture aims to curb unlicensed activity and ensure that passenger transport operates under formal licensing requirements.
Experts cited by the newspaper expressed concern that the market could contract significantly due to these innovations. They note that currently only about one in five taxi drivers holds a passenger transport license. Dmitry Matveev, managing director of a car rental company, suggested that trip costs might at least double as a result of stricter licensing and compliance costs. Independent transport industry analyst Alexei Tuzov predicted a much sharper rise, with prices potentially increasing more than fivefold in certain scenarios. These projections highlight a substantial shift in the competitive landscape for urban mobility in Russia.
Earlier in the year, the National Taxi Council urged the Presidential Administration to explore measures aimed at reducing the cost burden of OSAGO policies for taxis. The call reflects ongoing concerns about the affordability and viability of taxi services under evolving regulatory frameworks.
According to the new regulations slated to take effect on September 1, 2023, a valid passenger transport permit can be revoked if a taxi operator’s OSAGO coverage is found to be lacking. The policy change is designed to reinforce insurance compliance and passenger safety while tightening the oversight of authorized taxi operators. Observers are watching closely to see how enforcement will impact license retention and the overall supply of licensed taxi services in major cities.
There was also a notable study from GTK-Holding, a transport investment firm, which tracked price movements from March 2022 to March 2023. The analysis found that the cost of taxi services for Russians rose by about 20 percent over that period, suggesting that price pressures are a persistent feature of the market even before the latest regulatory steps. This context helps frame expectations for consumer prices post-implementation.