In a bid to protect independent taxi drivers from being exploited through exorbitant fees, Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications has introduced new regulatory proposals. This initiative comes in response to grievances from taxi owners who have been burdened with hefty affiliation fees to secure operating licenses. Notably, the steepest charges were reported in Taichung, where drivers faced fees as high as NT$350,000.
The proposed regulations aim to curb the imposition of unauthorized fees by taxi companies, demanding that any charges must either have official sanction or be clearly outlined in contractual agreements. Furthermore, taxi companies would be restricted from coercing drivers into purchasing vehicles from specific dealerships or mandating the use of certain financial services for loans and insurance. These measures are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and promote fairness within the industry.
To ensure transparency, the new guidelines stipulate that taxi companies must seek formal approval for their fee structures and make these details accessible on their websites. Moreover, the ministry would have the authority to compel companies to cease improper fee collections and mandate the reimbursement of any overcharges to drivers. Both drivers and companies would also be required to keep contracts, receipts, and transaction records readily available for potential inspections.
Additional reforms include shortening the period an unused taxi quota can be reallocated, from three years to one year, with an option for a one-year extension. This change is intended to streamline the process and better utilize available resources. The regulations, set to be enforced in August, threaten violators with penalties that could reach up to NT$90,000. More severe infractions could lead to partial suspension of operations or even revocation of operating licenses.