In the coming weeks, the government will be implementing a reform within the local taxi service that will see the compulsory installation of meters on each vehicle by the 1st of May as well as the introduction of new measures to improve the conduct of taxi drivers.
The reform, which was negotiated between the government, the Transport Authority and the White Taxis Licensed Amalgamated (WTLA) in the past year and a half, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers earlier this week.
According to a government press release, the aim behind the code of conduct is to curb bad behaviour or inappropriate services given by taxi drivers. In fact, these will be addressed immediately and cases of rule-breaking will succumb to fines which can either be paid instantly or else can be contested in the tribunal.
The Malta Transport Authority will also be adjourning the taxi drivers’ database with the introduction of new tags which will carry a barcode and the drivers' photos. The tags will only be distributed to those drivers and taxi owners who sign the code of conduct. The tags will be withheld in case of serious crimes like violence, passenger overcharge and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Another change to the current regulations will see to the uniformity of both the size and make of the vehicles to be used as taxis.
The above processes as well as the compulsory wearing of the uniform will be in place by the 31st of March, the press statement reported.
The reform will also introduce training and certification for transport service operators, which will be sponsored by the European Union. The first training phase will be completed by the end of the year with 264 public transport drivers, amongst whom some taxi drivers, being certified.
The same negotiations also brought about a better organisation of the area surrounding the Cruise Liners passengers’ terminal, the introduction of taxi booths at both the sea terminal as well as Malta’s International Airport and the installation of CCTV cameras in zones where taxis operate.
© Copyright 2005 - MaltaMedia Online Network
Top of Page
| 
