New regulations on passenger transport business by taxi

The Government issued Decree No. 158/2024/ND-CP regulating road transport activities.

Passenger transport vehicles under contract must have the "CONTRACT VEHICLE" badge permanently affixed to the upper right corner, right below the Inspection Stamp, on the inside of the front windshield of the vehicle.

Decree No. 158/2024/ND-CP specifically regulates passenger transport business by taxi, including provisions for cars used for passenger transport business by taxi, trip fares in the following cases: through the use of taxi meters, through the use of taxi software and in the case of agreement with the transport business unit.

Cars operating passenger transport by taxi must have the "TAXI" badge.

Accordingly, the Decree stipulates that transport business units with a license to conduct automobile transport, including passenger transport by taxi, are allowed to participate in passenger transport by taxi.

Decree specifically stipulates conditions for cars operating passenger transport business by taxi:

- Cars must comply with the provisions of Clause 9, Article 56 of the Road Law;

- Must have a "TAXI" badge according to Form No. 04 Appendix XIII attached to this Decree and be permanently affixed in the upper right corner right below the position of the Inspection Sticker, inside the front windshield of the vehicle; must have full information listed on the vehicle according to regulations;

- The phrase "TAXI" must be posted (fixed) in reflective material on the front and rear windows of the vehicle with the minimum size of the phrase "TAXI" being 06 x 20 cm according to Form No. 05 Appendix XIII attached to this Decree. In case of posting by electronic device, the phrase "TAXI" must always be lit up and have a minimum size of 06 x 20 cm.

Passenger transport vehicles by taxi are allowed to choose to install a light box with the word "TAXI" fixed on the roof of the vehicle with a minimum size of 12 x 30 cm. In case of choosing to install a light box with the word "TAXI" fixed on the roof of the vehicle, it is not required to post (fix) the phrase "TAXI" on the front and rear windows of the vehicle.

Trip fare using meter

The Decree stipulates that vehicles must be equipped with fare meters that have been inspected and sealed by a competent metrological authority; there must be a device for printing invoices or receipts connected to the fare meter on the vehicle; the fare meter and printing device must be fixed in a position that is easy for passengers to observe; the driver must issue an electronic invoice to send to the passenger at the end of the trip.

The receipt must contain the following minimum information: name of the transport business unit, vehicle registration number, trip distance (km) and total amount the passenger must pay.

Trip fare through fare calculation software

In the case of calculating trip fares through the use of fare calculation software that connects directly with passengers via electronic means to book vehicles, cancel trips, and calculate trip fares (fare calculation software), the Decree stipulates:

- The vehicle must have a device that connects directly with passengers to book and cancel trips;

- Trip fare is calculated based on the distance determined on the digital map;

- The fare calculation software must ensure compliance with the provisions of the law on electronic transactions; the passenger interface must have the name or logo of the transport business unit and must provide passengers with the minimum contents before transporting, including: Name of the transport business unit, driver's full name, vehicle registration plate, itinerary, trip distance (km), total amount the passenger must pay and phone number to handle passenger complaints.

Trip fare according to agreement with transport business unit

The Decree also regulates the case of trip fares according to agreements with transport businesses. Accordingly, trip fares are agreed upon between passengers and transport businesses according to the fee schedule posted on taxis or through the fare calculation software of the taxi passenger transport business.

The Decree also clearly states that at the end of a trip, the transport business unit using the fare calculation software must send (via the software) the electronic invoice of the trip to the passenger, and at the same time send the invoice information to the Tax authority as prescribed.

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