Applications for 20 new taxi operator licenses issued
Applications for 20 new taxi operator licenses have been issued by Transport Malta. The 20 new licenses form part of a total of 50 being issued up to 2012. The increase in the number of taxi licenses will encourage competition amongst the operators,...
Applications for 20 new taxi operator licenses have been issued by Transport Malta.
The 20 new licenses form part of a total of 50 being issued up to 2012.
The increase in the number of taxi licenses will encourage competition amongst the operators, stimulate fairer pricing and is expected to bring about a change from dependence on private transport to public transport, TM said.
The call for applications follows the government’s decision to reform the sector with the objective of making the service more efficient, safe, secure and affordable.
By May, all taxis, including existing ones, will need to be equipped with:
- CCTV systems linked to TM’s control room. These will strengthen the ability of TM and other enforcement agencies to enforce where necessary, and drastically improve safety for passengers and drivers;
- Two way communication systems linked to TM’s control room, to enable real-time communication with the operators;
- Introduction of emergency buttons, which will be easily accessible to passengers and drivers, in the case of emergency;
- Intelligent taximeters, which will have the facility to print fiscal receipts, and will be able to be monitored remotely from TM’s control room. It will also be able to accept payment by credit and debit cards;
- Tracking devices, which will provide real-time information to TM on the location of each taxi, and it’s status at any time. This will include the ability to remotely monitor speed.
All equipment will need to be independently calibrated every year.
As of next year, airconditioning will be mandatory in all existing and new taxis.
This, coupled with the fact that any taxis licensed from November will have to be a new vehicle, will continue improving the level and standard of the fleet.
All existing and new operators will be required to submit a police conduct certificate to obtain a licence, which stipulates a number of operators’ obligations to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
These obligations are linked to a number of administrative penalties and a penalty points system which is designed to discourage repeat breaches, and may result in the withdrawal of the operator licence.
TM will be using all the information made available from the various devices being introduced, to strengthen the quality control and enforcement.
Drivers will also be required to submit a detailed police conduct certificate to confirm their eligibility for a permit. Just like the operator licence, this permit will be linked to a number of obligations, including a penalty points system which can lead to the permit’s withdrawal.
Applications for a license maybe obtained from TM’s website or offices, located at Sa Maison Road, Floriana.
Licenses will be awarded through bidding.
Further information may be obtained on 8007 2393.