“We do not want to ban shared (5 somoni/seat) taxis, we are just discussing ways to legalize their activities,” Transport Minister Azim Ibrohim told reporters in Dushanbe on February 3.
According to him, they want to legalize them so that the shared taxi drivers will not be fined in accordance with Article 510 of the country’s Administrative Code – illegal activity.
“The issue is still under consideration and the Ministry of Transport jointly with the Dushanbe Administration will make a decision on this issue in the interest of the people,” the minister noted.
Representatives of the Ministry of Transport (MoT) jointly with relevant services of the Dushanbe Administration in October last year carried out explanatory work among the shared taxi drivers on the issue of legalizing their activity.
Dushanbe authorities say the shared taxi drivers work without any necessary permission documents, duplicating public transport itineraries. They reportedly also “create obstacles in traffic.”
Shared taxis (5 somoni/seat) follow a set route in the Tajik capital. These cars don’t always show their numbers as they are not strictly legal. Often they flash their lights at you and display a number with their fingers or hold up a sign in their hands. Just wave your hand to get their attention. You pay at the beginning of the ride. They appreciate exact change.
