The Ministry of Transport denied the statement that the region will be left without taxis.

      Today, April 24, at a meeting of the Legislative Assembly, changes to regional taxi legislation were discussed. More specifically, aligning it with federal regulations. The draft law is of a formal nature. The heated discussion was not even about the bill itself, but rather the current situation with taxis.

      Let us remind you that there are currently 5,479 vehicles registered as taxis in the Kirov region. According to the new rules, authorities will be able to add up to 25% of the total number of vehicles to the registry.

      Earlier, at a committee meeting, acting Minister of Transport Artem Drachkov stated that the latest legislative requirements concerning taxis will only apply to vehicles added to the registry. Vehicles that are already there will not be affected. They will only need to undergo maintenance once every six months.

      During the plenary session, Deputy Albert Bikaluk asked how many of the vehicles in the registry meet the latest requirements. Drachkov replied that he does not have that information, as the new rules cannot be applied to vehicles already in the registry.

      Bikaluk expressed the opinion that the Kirov region could be left without taxis in six months to a year. "New requirements will be introduced, and the vehicles will not comply!" he suggested. Drachkov countered: "There will be no problems with taxis. The number of vehicles will allow us to provide our residents with taxi services." Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Roman Beresnev cheerfully added: "You won't be able to wait! We will be driving!"