Transport Committee Requests Proposals to Combat Taxi Illegality by Monday

The Parliamentary Committee on Transport has requested proposals from the competent authorities by Monday regarding the proper functioning of urban taxi rental platforms and the combating of illegality. The Chairman of the Committee, Alekos Tryfonidis, stated that there is determination to crack down on piracy and regulate the operations concerning taxis.

Mr. Tryfonidis mentioned that the Committee examined the issue of piracy in urban taxis and identified gaps in the recent legislation. Taxi drivers' unions reported illegal activities and piracy attempts by illegal platforms and colleagues, as well as the phenomenon of drivers from one province picking up customers from another province.

The Department of Road Transport stated its inability to police due to a lack of supervisors and was asked to submit data on the supervisory needs in ports, airports, and taxi ranks. The President of the Licensing Authority referred to the outdated institutional framework and the inability to control the illegality. The Committee requested proposals to ensure the proper functioning of the platforms and the combating of illegality, as well as the immediate deactivation of illegal platforms and the tightening of measures for those engaged in piracy.

The representative of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism stated that 60% of tourists in Cyprus come individually and need more taxis. The Committee awaits the proposals of the competent authorities to proceed with the submission of a bill.