The law was adopted by 127 votes in favour, one vote against and no abstentions.
Based on new regulations, taxi drivers will be required to have drivers’ licences issued in a European or NATO country. They will also have to use a taximeter connected to a printer or a taximeter and a payment terminal. New regulations are aimed at combating the underground economy, ensuring passenger safety and better quality of services.
Amendments to the Road Transport Code will take effect on 1 May 2024, but a transition period is foreseen and current permits will be valid until 1 May 2025.
Chairman of the Couriers’ and Drivers’ Association (KVA), Dalius Rudokas, earlier told ELTA that he supports and appreciates the proposed changes as passengers complain about foreign taxi or ride-hailing drivers not speaking Lithuanian and passengers are also dissatisfied with their driving culture.
Head of ride-hailing platform Bolt in Lithuania, Andrius Pacevičius, welcomed the initiative and attention shown to ride-hailing services. According to him, Bolt is always in favour of constructive dialogue.