The House Transport Committee has asked all relevant authorities to submit proposals by Monday on how the proper operation of urban taxi hire platforms can be ensured and how illegal activity can be tackled, committee chair Alekos Tryfonides said on Thursday.
Speaking after the committee meeting, Tryfonides said the issue of illegal practices in urban taxi services had been examined. He described the problem as extensive, adding that gaps and shortcomings had emerged following the passage of recent legislation.
According to Tryfonides, the committee heard complaints from taxi drivers’ unions in all districts, reporting hundreds of alleged violations and cases of illegal competition by unauthorised platforms, as well as by fellow drivers. He said drivers had raised concerns that taxis from one district were picking up passengers in another, without their permits being revoked when crossing district boundaries.
Shortage of inspectors
Tryfonides said the Department of Road Transport, despite its efforts, had cited an inability to enforce regulations due to a severe shortage of inspectors. The committee has asked the department to submit data by Monday on the number of inspectors required to ensure effective oversight and enforcement at locations such as ports, airports, taxi ranks and designated pick-up areas.
He also said the head of the Licensing Authority acknowledged that the existing legal framework is outdated and that the authority lacks the capacity to fully control illegal activity in the sector.
The committee also heard from the only licensed online private transport platform, which called for regulation of the sector, citing the absence of a framework governing the operation of online platforms. Tryfonides said that, at present, anyone can create and operate a platform without restrictions.
Tougher penalties
As a result, the committee has asked the Licensing Authority to submit proposals by Monday to ensure the proper operation of platforms and to outline measures to combat illegal practices. Tryfonides said the committee had also requested that platforms be taken offline immediately when violations are identified.
He added that tougher penalties are being considered, including the suspension or revocation of professional or taxi driving licences, in addition to fines, in cases of illegal activity. The aim, he said, is to allow licensed drivers to operate properly and professionally, while tackling illegality at its source.
Tryfonides also referred to comments by a representative of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, who said that around 60 per cent of tourists arrive in Cyprus independently, increasing demand for taxi services.
He said the committee expects proposals from all relevant authorities by Monday and will then proceed with drafting legislation for immediate discussion and submission to the House plenary for approval.