In order to secure means of transportation in rural areas, national guidelines have been compiled that include expanding the business area of private taxis, which were previously limited to urban areas.
This was compiled by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism based on discussions at an expert meeting, citing cases in which taxi operators have withdrawn in rural areas and residents have difficulty securing transportation.
Currently, private taxis are allowed to operate only in urban areas with a population of about 30,1 or more, but it is possible in any area if you have at least one year of experience as a private taxi driver.
At the same time, if you are operating outside urban areas, the age limit will be relaxed, and the age will be raised from 75 to 80 in principle, subject to health checks at local taxi companies.
In addition, in the corporate taxi business, it was previously necessary to own five or more vehicles, but in order to encourage new entrants, we will allow business with four or less.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) wants to officially start operation based on the opinions of the general public that it is currently recruiting.
According to a survey by an industry group, the number of drivers working at taxi companies nationwide has decreased by about 2019% compared to 20 before the corona disaster, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism wants to encourage drivers who worked in urban areas to make U-turns and maintain regional transportation.