Kazakhstan to Enforce Stricter Regulations for Taxi Drivers Starting Next Year

At a recent government meeting, Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov announced that the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Transport, and regional governments (akimats) will work together to ensure taxi drivers adhere to safety and operational standards.

“The current standards for passenger transportation are often ignored,” said Minister Sadenov. “Many internet-based taxi drivers operate without adequate rest, skip medical examinations, and neglect vehicle maintenance. This negligence puts passengers’ lives at risk, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays when flights and tickets are scarce.”

Minister Sadenov highlighted the challenges of identifying and penalizing unsafe taxi drivers under the existing system, where internet aggregators merely distribute ride orders. However, under the amended Law “On Automobile Transport” effective from April 20, 2023, these platforms will be responsible for ensuring that drivers comply with transportation requirements.

The government is also considering several measures to improve transportation safety and efficiency. These include:

• Development of Intercity Passenger Transport: Expanding and enhancing intercity transportation options.
• Increasing Flights on Popular Routes: Adjusting the number of available flights based on seasonal demand to accommodate more passengers.
• Reducing Travel Costs through Subsidies: Implementing subsidies to make travel more affordable for passengers.
• Mandatory Monitoring Devices: Requiring the installation of devices to monitor drivers’ work and rest periods to ensure they are fit to drive.

These initiatives aim to improve passenger safety and transportation reliability across Kazakhstan.