Uber and Taxify demand talks with government on planned OUG to change taxi law

Aurel Dragan 07/03/2019 | 12:33

Uber and Taxify have released a joint statement regarding the government’s planned emergency ordinance (OUG) to change the taxi services law, which may lead to a limitation or ban on alternative urban transport services. They claim that 2 million customers will suffer as a result of the changes.

“We appreciate the government’s openness to dialogue and we ensure our full cooperation for the modernization of transport legislation, in line with the recommendations of the European Commission, according to which these new services should be regulated and not banned. Until we also have a regulatory framework for new alternative transport services in Romania, a framework similar to other EU member states, we call on government members to postpone a potential Emergency Ordinance on behalf of over 2 million users and tens of thousands drivers who use our platforms to earn their living,” says the press release.

According to the company’s data, over 2 million people in Romania are actively using Uber, Taxify, or similar apps. One out of 10 Romanians uses and appreciates these services because they are affordable, safe, quality and reliable. According to an IRES study, 7 out of 10 young people see the apps as an alternative to the personal car, while 9 out of 10 want the authorities to encourage the development of this type of alternative services and not to limit them.

“We share the opinion of the taxi industry that there is a need for an update of the legislative framework, but we believe any changes should favour the development of the mobility industry,” the statement reads.