Editorial | A thriving cab market needs good rules

Liberalisation of the passenger transport market and the advent of ride-hailing apps have ensured a proliferation of cab companies and services.

The competition has brought down prices and made it more convenient for people to use this means of transport for their everyday needs.

The Y-plate market is part of the solution to Malta’s traffic congestion – not in as much as reducing the number of cars on the road, although greater availability may entice people to ditch their private cars altogether, but because it reduces the pressure on the need for parking facilities in entertainment and shopping areas.

Cabs can also help increase road safety when used by people to reach and leave entertainment spots where they would have taken a drink or two.

There is a case to be made for encouraging the increased use of cabs to get around.

But the market requires good regulation to ensure that levels of service are optimum and users can feel safe.

The new rules announced yesterday by the Transport Ministry are more than welcome. Under the new rules, non-EU drivers would have to first obtain a Maltese or EU driving licence before being allowed to obtain a Y-tag. They do not impact drivers from EU countries.

The decision could not come too soon. Until now, non-EU nationals could use their national driving licence for one year before obtaining a Maltese driving licence.

The new rules ensure EU standards are adopted for driving licence requirements. It is responding to growing concerns that driving standards of non-EU nationals, especially from India and Pakistan, are not up to scratch thus posing a danger on Maltese roads.

This measure should be extended to other transport sectors such as food delivery companies because the erratic driving of some of these workers poses a danger on our roads.

The ministry also announced tougher tests for anybody applying for a Y-tag starting from this month.

This is also a welcome move since Y-tag drivers are responsible for the safety of passengers and it must be inculcated in them that they have to be professional and responsible in their job.

There has been a tendency by many lately who view the Y-plate market as a route to making a quick buck. This should not come at the expense of safety, quality and professional behaviour.

The regulations making it incumbent on cab drivers and companies to provide documented proof of where their cars will be garaged are also welcome.

But the authority must not stop at introducing stricter regulations. Enforcement remains a key aspect.

To ensure the market remains a level playing field and passenger safety us guaranteed at all times, the authorities must actively enforce the laws.

Like every other aspect of the State, enforcement is important to ensure that the good intentions behind the new rules actually materialise.

The ministry also announced that a consultation process is underway to have new Y-plate cars fully electric from 2025. Electrifying public transport means should be a milestone in the quest to cut down carbon emissions but government could also consider introducing incentives for commercial operators to make the transition as seamless as possible.