Regulations to Tame Abusive Taxi Rates
New taxi regulations would give local governments the right to set the maximum rate that taxis can demand from their clients.
"One of the main arguments is that rates are often several times higher than in much wealthier nations than ours," Rasmus Ruuda, an advisor for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, which is drafting the new bill, told Õhtuleht.
The problem has been the most serious in Tallinn. "Tallinn has for years tangled with problematic taxis. Among those earning an honest living the splinter in the eye has been swindlers who damage the profession's reputation," said deputy mayor, Taavi Aas. The issue also impacts the reputation of the whole country, said Aas, because taxis are often a first impression for tourists.
The bill as yet does not mention specific fare limits, but the local governments, in setting the rates, must take into account that companies need to make a “reasonable” profit.
In writing the bill, which will be reviewed by the government in a few months time, officials compared rates in Ireland, Finland, Germany, Latvia and Bulgaria.
Ott Tammik