Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications has unveiled a set of proposed regulations aimed at safeguarding independent taxi drivers from burdensome fees levied by taxi companies. This initiative comes in response to grievances from drivers who have voiced their concerns over exorbitant affiliation fees required to secure taxi operating licenses. Notably, the highest charges were reported in Taichung, where some drivers faced fees reaching as much as NT$350,000.
The proposed amendments seek to abolish unauthorized fees that lack official approval or are not explicitly stated in contracts. Taxi companies would also be prohibited from compelling drivers to buy vehicles from specific dealers or mandating loans and insurance through designated financial institutions. The revised rules would necessitate that taxi companies obtain formal approval for their affiliation fee structures and make them publicly accessible on their websites. Furthermore, authorities would gain the power to enforce the cessation of improper fee collections and mandate refunds for any overcharges to drivers.
In a bid to enhance transparency, the new regulations would require both drivers and taxi companies to maintain contracts, receipts, and other transaction documents readily available for inspection. The proposal also seeks to streamline the process of reassigning unused taxi quotas, reducing the minimum waiting period from three years to one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
The regulations are slated to come into effect in August, marking a significant shift in the operational landscape for taxi companies. Non-compliance with the new rules could lead to penalties, including fines up to NT$90,000, partial suspension of company operations, or, in severe cases, the revocation of operating licenses.