Charlot Zahra
Government has announced the liberalisation of the taxis sector, which is currently operating as a monopoly under the auspices of the White Taxis Association.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday morning, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Minister Austin Gatt said that that the number of taxis should increase from 250 at present to around 700 taxis.
Other proposals being made by the Government include the upgrade of the minimum conditions requested for taxi, the monitoring of taxi metres from a remote location to ensure their proper use, and the introduction of a remotely-controlled camera to enhance security for taxi users.
In addition, Government is proposing tougher criteria to determine the suitability of people to operate as taxi drivers, as well as the introduction of a course for taxi drivers and a test on basic manners prior to awarding of the licence for taxi drivers.
Moreover, taxis will be allowed to operate both in Malta and Gozo, thus doing away with the regional segmentation operated till by taxi owners.
“We already had hearses not being able to cross between Malta and Gozo,” he said, when referring to the similar practice that existed with regards to funeral hearses until sister paper Illum revealed it in a story published last week.
Gatt said that the Government has discussed this reform in up to ten meetings with the White Taxis Association.
“However this does not mean that there is an agreement with the owners on this document,” he added.
“For the Maltese population as well as the tourists which visit Malta, the total of 250 taxis – 200 in Malta and 50 in Gozo – is simply not enough.
"This situation has created a cartel in the taxis sector,” Gatt insisted.
He said that as a nation, Maltese and Gozitans are unique when compared to other European countries in not considering taxis a means of public transport despite the ever-increasing traffic congestion.
Among other reasons cited in the consultation document include the fact that taxi drivers do not consider locals as clients since they rely almost exclusively on tourists, the bad reputation that they enjoy among the local population, and the high price of a trip when compared to other European destinations.
Moreover, taxis will be encouraged to have their own branding to enhance competition, while they will be allowed to carry advertising on the vehicles.

czahra@mediatoday.com.mt