Transport Minister Austin Gatt yesterday dubbed the Association of White Taxis a "cartel" as he launched a document on taxi reform aiming to improve this plagued mode of transport.
The fact that the citizens of the most congested European country did not even consider taxis a viable means of transport - for reasons ranging from poor safety to high tariffs due to lack of competition, and a bad reputation - was a clear indication of the failure of the system, Dr Gatt told a news conference.
The document for taxi reform, which is open to public comment until November 1, proposes regulations that would require "seriousness" from taxi operators, introducing qualifications for owners and obliging drivers to complete a course, which would also include lessons in courtesy. The government would like to see the reform in place by the end of the year.
A maximum fare would be established, but taxis could compete on prices, he said, pointing out that Malta's minimum tariff was one of the highest among eight major European cities, surpassed only by Amsterdam and Dublin, while it is the fourth highest for a five kilometre trip.
The minister underlined the shortage of taxis in Malta and said it had been calculated that Malta needed 700, as opposed to the 250 available.
The government intends to ensure that "the few taxi drivers who abuse their position and give a bad name to those who work honestly would be removed from the job," Dr Gatt said.
The government also intends to put a stop to the difficulties encountered in monitoring the use of taxi meters and making taxis internally safe.
The document, in fact, proposes the installation of cameras and electronic chips to control when and how the taxis are used.
He said systems were also required to allow passengers to immediately report abuse and for the Malta Transport Authority to intervene fast, if necessary, and take action against the driver.
"In Malta, you almost feel under attack in a taxi and afraid to file a report," Dr Gatt said.
The Transport Ministry's document has also identified the need to change several old definitions and minimum conditions, including, for example, the lack of obligation to have air conditioning and a limit on the age of a taxi vehicle. About half of all taxis in Malta are over 10 years old, which was unacceptable today, Dr Gatt pointed out. The government would also be opening up all Malta to those who wanted to operate electric cabs, he said, commenting on their success in Valletta.
It was also suggesting ending the unofficial ban on Maltese taxis going to Gozo and vice-versa.
In a statement issued last night, the White Taxi Licensed Amalgamated said that the process for liberalisation was taking place without a proper impact assessment study.