Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications is taking action to shield independent taxi drivers from hefty fees imposed by taxi companies. In response to grievances from drivers about exorbitant affiliation fees necessary to secure taxi operating licenses, new regulations have been proposed. The ministry noted that the steepest reported fees came from Taichung, where some drivers faced charges as high as NT$350,000.
The proposed changes aim to stop taxi companies from levying unauthorized charges that are not sanctioned by authorities or outlined in contracts. Additionally, these companies would be prohibited from coercing drivers into purchasing vehicles from particular dealers or obtaining loans and insurance from specified financial institutions. The new rules would require that any affiliation fee standards receive official approval and be published on the companies’ websites, enhancing transparency and fairness.
Furthermore, the amendments would empower authorities to demand that companies halt improper fee collections and refund any overcharges to the drivers. To bolster accountability, both taxi drivers and companies would need to maintain contracts, receipts, and transaction records for potential inspections. In a bid to ensure more efficient use of taxi quotas, the proposal includes reducing the minimum reassignment period for an unused taxi quota from three years to one year, with a possible extension of an additional year.
The regulations, anticipated to be implemented in August, set penalties for non-compliance. Companies found violating the new rules could face fines up to NT$90,000. Severe infractions might lead to partial suspension of operations or even revocation of operating licenses. This regulatory shift is intended to create a more equitable environment for independent taxi drivers in Taiwan.