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Jul 23, 2019 / 15:07

Vietnam PM suggests no light-box sign needed for Grab cars

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) should consider using technologies as instruments for management, instead of traditional methods such as putting a light-boxes on cars.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has requested the Minsitry of Transport (MoT) to cancel the proposal requiring electronic contract-based vehicles to have roof sign, local media reported. 
 
Illustrative photo.
Illustrative photo.
The MoT should consider using technologies as instruments for management, instead of traditional methods such as light-box, Phuc said in a meeting on July 22. 

Additionally, Phuc expected the MoT to remove obsolete and inefficient business conditions. 

In June, the MoT released the draft decree in replacement of Decree No.86 setting out conditions for transportation business. Under the new regulation, under-nine seat cars operating under electronic contract must have light-box clearly stating “Electronic taxi” installed on their roof. 

Meanwhile, electronic taxis will have software connecting drivers and passengers, providing them with information on the company, driver, car, general fare and fares for specific routes, among others, and receive payments via electronic channels. 

According to the MoT, the requirement would help better differentiate between private cars and taxis, preventing the case of the latter disguise as private cars. 

Moreover, the agency expected these requirements will create favorable conditions to develop the model of passenger transport cooperation between ride-hailing apps and taxi firms, encouraging the application of technology in the transport sector, while simultaneously creating a more transparent and level playing ground for the two sides.

Previously local taxi associations have recommended to categorize all less-than-nine-seats vehicle for transport service as taxi, however, the MoT raised concern that it would cause inconvenience for passengers, as  a rented under nine seat car is not necessarily a taxi. 

According to the Hanoi Taxi Association, Grab should be considered a taxi firm, proposing to change the color of license plate of all such cars to yellow, making it more convenient for transportation management and operation.