The parliament is considering a bill today that, if finally approved, could challenge the future of internet taxis such as Snapp, Tapsi, and Maxim in various cities. The bill was drafted with the aim of “organizing smart transportation services,” but activists in this field believe that its implementation will actually place a heavy burden of fees and administrative restrictions on these companies.
According to Ideaagency, according to the additional article of this bill, issuing licenses for the operation of smart transportation platforms will be delegated to the municipalities of each city, and the municipalities will also be required to collect tiered fees based on the type of service; such that closed services will include full fees, shared services will include reduced fees, and public or clean services will be exempt from fees.
Companies are also required to provide accurate travel information online, including time, distance, fare, and vehicle specifications, to an integrated system under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior. The implementation of this clause has also raised serious concerns about data security and privacy.
In response to the bill, three companies, Snapp, Tapsi, and Maxim, have warned in an official letter addressed to members of parliament that the plan, if implemented, could lead to a “severe weakening of smart transportation services” in the country. These companies have called for a review of the bill and avoidance of parallel and overlapping interventions by municipalities.
In parts of the letter, the companies stressed that delegating licensing authority to municipalities would mean multiple decision-making centers, increased operating costs, and the entry of non-specialized entities into the technology-driven transportation mechanism. They also warned of the economic consequences of the plan, including its direct impact on increasing travel prices, driving drivers out of the system, and weakening competition with traditional transportation.
Pointing to the importance of online transportation services in reducing traffic, facilitating citizens’ lives, and creating jobs, the letter called on representatives to take a more comprehensive and realistic view in reviewing this bill and not sacrifice public interests for short-term revenue generation for municipalities.
This is while supporters of the bill consider it a step towards “transportation justice” and the development of public transportation.
Opponents say that the reckless implementation of this bill may lead to a setback in the country’s smart transportation services, rather than regulation. Especially considering that previously, in 2019, the municipal supervision guidelines for internet taxis had been issued and the Tehran Municipality’s Transportation and Traffic Department had recognized internet taxis.
Nima Ghazi, head of the Tehran E-Commerce Association, says licensing these companies in separate cities will lead to widespread corruption. Mohammad Khalaj, CEO of Snapp Group, has also warned that passing the bill means a return to golden signatures and parallel work, and will be a blow to innovation.
No Comment! Be the first one.