Belarus’s Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade held a working roundtable meeting devoted to problems in the operation of taxi services during the January snowfalls. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister Aleh Dzikun, the ministry said.
Participants in the discussion included Andrei Kryvasheyeu, director general of the Minsk-Novosti agency, representatives of Minsk taxi dispatch services, carriers, members of a taxi drivers’ club, as well as representatives of the Transport Ministry and the Transport Inspectorate.
The participants reviewed the problems faced by companies and passengers during Cyclone Ulli and how weather conditions affected fares and the consumer experience. According to assessments presented at the meeting, during peak periods the number of taxis operating on routes fell to about 60%, vehicle waiting times increased by 2–2.5 times, and the number of completed trips declined to 70%. At the same time, fares increased on average by 1.5–3 times.
Following the discussion, the ministry proposed considering the conclusion of agreements between the ministry and taxi dispatch services. The proposal concerns arrangements on socially responsible behavior by carriers and aggregators during periods of increased demand caused by extreme weather conditions, major international events, and other force majeure circumstances. It was also proposed to establish information cooperation and implement joint social projects.