MoT adamant about light box on ride-hailing cars

The Ministry of Transport took to its heels to defend its proposal to the PM

This was part of the response of the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to the prime minister's request for opinions from ministries to the draft decree replacing Decree No.86 setting out conditions for transportation business.

Accordingly, the prime minister issued two plans to manage app-managed ride-hailing vehicles. The first plan is to install “TAXI” light boxes on top of vehicles, with the minimum size of 12 x 30cm. The second alternative is to install the ride-hailing app's logo and a sign board and connect their managing software to the authorities to ensure supervision.

The MoT stated that the first option would allow equal treatment for traditional taxi and ride-hailing firms, adding that the installation of light boxes on app-based ride-hailing vehicles would enable the better management of transport businesses, help customers identify ride-hailing cars on the street, and differentiate between a transport service provider and a supplier of other services.

It would also prevent private vehicles from providing transport services illegally, causing difficulties for traffic police in inspecting, controlling, and organising urban traffic, the ministry argued.

Along with the requirement about the light box, the MoT also asked ride-hailing vehicles to install a software to connect and supply information to customers, including information on the vehicle, the route, general fares, as well as the fares for the specific route.

According to the MoT, these regulations would create favourable conditions to develop the model of passenger transport cooperation between ride-hailing apps and taxi firms, encouraging the application of technology in the transport sector, while creating a more transparent and fairer playground for the two sides.

The MoT's position is heavily objected to by ride-hailing apps, whose stance VIR has outlined previously here.