Prague taxi drivers can now set fares without price caps
Price regulation for meter-equipped taxis in Prague has been lifted, allowing drivers to charge any amount. Officials say they will seek to review the decision.
Effective from early October, Prague ended the price-regulation scheme that capped fares for classic taxis equipped with taxameters. The abolition was decided by the municipal department handling taxes, fees and prices, following a spring-time discussion involving coalition officials, the mayor and taxi service representatives. Jaromír Beránek, a councilor for transport, expressed disagreement and announced intentions to seek a prompt revision of the policy.
Tomáš Prouza, president of the Trade and Tourism Union, highlighted the risk of drivers charging markedly higher rates than before. The deregulation applies only to traditional meter-taxis and does not affect app-based services such as Uber or Bolt, which have lowered prices and increased availability. New legislation may also require taxi drivers to demonstrate proficiency in Czech language or local geography.
Why it matters
Passengers in Prague could face much higher taxi fares due to the removal of price caps.
In this story
