Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications has unveiled a series of proposed regulations designed to safeguard independent taxi drivers from onerous fees imposed by taxi companies. This initiative comes in response to numerous grievances from vehicle owners who claim they have been subjected to hefty affiliation fees in order to secure taxi operating licenses. Among the highest of these fees was reported in Taichung, where drivers faced charges as steep as NT$350,000.
The proposed amendments would make it illegal for taxi companies to levy unauthorized charges not sanctioned by authorities or outlined in contracts. Additionally, the regulations would prevent companies from compelling drivers to purchase vehicles through specific dealers or to secure loans and insurance from designated financial institutions.
According to the new rules, taxi companies would need to gain official approval for their affiliation fee standards and make these publicly accessible on their websites. Authorities would be granted the power to direct companies to cease improper fee collections and mandate refunds for any overcharges to drivers. In an effort to enhance transparency, both drivers and taxi companies would be obligated to keep contracts, receipts, and other transaction documents available for inspection.
The proposal also suggests reducing the minimum period before an unused taxi quota can be reassigned from three years to one year, with the option for a one-year extension. The regulations are slated for implementation in August, and companies found in violation could face penalties ranging from fines of up to NT$90,000 to partial suspension of their operations, or in severe cases, the revocation of their operating licenses.