Taiwan is taking steps to safeguard independent taxi drivers from exorbitant fees charged by taxi companies. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has put forward a set of regulations designed to curb these excessive charges, which have been a source of complaint among vehicle owners. In Taichung, some drivers have reported paying affiliation fees as high as NT$350,000 just to acquire the necessary licenses to operate.
The proposed regulations would prevent taxi companies from levying fees not sanctioned by authorities or detailed in contracts. Furthermore, the companies would be disallowed from compelling drivers to buy vehicles from certain dealerships or secure loans and insurance through specific financial entities. This move aims to provide a fairer operating environment for drivers, ensuring that all fees are transparent and justified.
To enhance transparency, the proposed rules require taxi companies to gain official approval for their fee structures and make these details available on their websites. Additionally, both drivers and companies would need to maintain contracts, receipts, and other transaction records for potential inspections. These measures are intended to ensure that any financial interactions between drivers and companies are clear and above board.
The amendments also propose reducing the minimum duration before an unused taxi quota can be reassigned from three years to just one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension. This change is expected to streamline operations and better utilize available resources. The new regulations are set to come into effect in August, with companies facing penalties of up to NT$90,000 for non-compliance, including potential partial suspension of operations or, in severe cases, revocation of their licenses.