Ukrainian parliamentarians have initiated changes to legislation aimed at bringing the taxi industry in line with established norms. However, if approached rationally, it is most likely about tightening control in this area.
The corresponding draft law No. 3107 was registered in the Verkhovna Rada on September 15, 2015.
If the document is adopted, taxi drivers will be required to obtain a license. In addition, increased fines are provided for them, as well as the creation of a special regulatory body that will conduct test purchases to identify violations. The function of issuing licenses will be assigned to local authorities. Additionally, a ban is introduced on passenger transportation without using an electronic taximeter.
However, the key goal of licensing is primarily financial monitoring. Today, about 200,000 people are employed in the taxi transportation sector of Ukraine. The total cash turnover of this market nationwide exceeds UAH 20 billion annually. At the same time, from 80 to 85% of taxi market participants operate outside the legal framework.
In order to strengthen control over legal taxi services, special fines will be introduced. Thus, for violation of transportation rules or lack of necessary documents, a fine of up to 500 tax-free minimums is provided, which amounts to UAH 8,500. At the same time, transportation without a license will cost the violator 1,000 minimums — UAH 17,000.
