Many of us get into the first available taxi without worry. But now it turns out that passengers have reason to be wary. Because several checks, both in Rogaland and elsewhere in the country, show that many people do not have everything in order. Recently, the National Roads Administration carried out three checks at Stavanger Airport, where 65 out of 109 taxis checked were banned from use. Fears higher prices The Norwegian Taxi Association fears for the reputation of the taxi industry and higher prices. – The Conservative government thought that the prices would go down when there were more taxis, but the prices have become higher, says chairman Øystein Trevland. Chairman of the Norwegian Taxi Association, Øystein Trevland. Photo: Terje Pedersen – Why do you think so many people drive around with defects and errors? – I think many people are not informed about what they need to operate a taxi. Now all you have to do is take out a license and play taxi driver. The reputation of the industry is at stake, the association believes. – Being a taxi driver now is very tough for many. Especially in the big cities, where many experienced drivers are now giving up the profession. Want more regulation – This is a result of the exemption that came in 2020. This led to anyone being able to operate taxi transport. The Labor Party will reintroduce the requirements for the industry, with taxi meters and connection to a taxi exchange, says Jone Blikra, who is a member of the Storting’s transport and communications committee. Storting representative Jone Blikra is Ap’s spokesperson on taxi issues. Photo: Randi Berdal Hagen / news New taxi regulations came into force on 1 November 2020. Then, among other things, it was decided that taxis no longer need to be connected to a taxi centre. But the biggest change was the removal of the means test on taxi licences. In other words, there was an end to a fixed number of players in the taxi industry. And it thus became easier to establish yourself in the industry. – There will always be someone who breaks the rules, but we must reintroduce this as a profession with orderly conditions. Where those who make a living from it have an interest in following rules, in order to maintain their livelihood. The new system means that many people drive on a hobby basis, says Blikra. In Oslo, he has personally experienced that the taxi driver instructed to transfer an amount to the driver’s mobile phone. – This is not a good way of doing business. He is concerned that the districts have lost taxi services, and that the requirement for emergency services 24 hours a day has disappeared, when the cars are not connected to a central office. – It is about reintroducing the taxi industry as a serious workplace. They also run school and hospital drives and must be part of the community’s preparedness. Then we have to ensure the allocation of licenses across the country. The FRP will not change the Progress Party, on the other hand, does not want new demands. – It is discouraging and a little frightening to see that so many people are given orders and driving bans, but new orders do not solve this, says Frp politician Frank Sve, who is first deputy chairman of the Storting’s transport and communications committee. He believes the industry must take care of itself, but sees no need for new orders, rule changes or stricter requirements to obtain a licence. Frank Sve (Frp) is first deputy chairman of the Storting’s transport and communications committee. Photo: Stortinget / Stortinget However, changes are still being made to the exemption introduced by the Solberg government. New taxi requirements for consultation In May, the government appointed a public committee to look at how the taxi industry should be in the future. At the same time, several measures are already being introduced. The proposals for measures were sent out for consultation in May, with a response deadline of 22 June. Among other things, there will be a requirement that all taxis must have taximeters and roof lights installed. The licensee must have sufficient professional expertise and be able to provide a financial guarantee. These are issues that the Norwegian Taxi Association has fought for. – We warned that it would be difficult to control the taxis when the taxi market was “liberated”. Both in terms of defects in cars, driving without proper papers and taxes and duties, says chairman of the union, Øystein Trevland.
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– Many are not informed – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
