Taxis operating in Moscow have been hit with penalties.
In a bid to ensure passengers' safety and convenience, the Moscow Regional Duma has implemented a new law requiring new gas stations in Russia to build electric charging stations. This move is part of Russia's broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and promote electric vehicle usage.
The law does not specify the number of charging points per station, leaving the details to the discretion of the gas station operators. However, these charging stations will be available for public use, providing a much-needed boost to the growing number of electric vehicle owners.
The new transportation rules also require taxi drivers to insure their civil liability, a move aimed at enhancing road safety. Unfortunately, incidents such as the one in Cheboksary, where a taxi driver was assaulted for refusing to carry extra passengers, highlight the need for such measures.
Unlicensed taxi drivers, who often skip medical checks and have vehicles that fail technical inspections, pose a significant risk to passengers. To combat this, the Moscow Regional Duma has also adopted a law imposing fines for illegal taxi service offers at airports.
However, the exact fines for offering illegal taxi services at airports in Moscow, Russia, for individuals, officials, or legal entities, remain unclear. Under Russian administrative law, fines for illegal taxi activities can vary significantly, with individuals facing fines of around 2,000 to 5,000 rubles, officials up to 20,000 rubles, and legal entities potentially facing fines of 50,000 rubles or more.
At Moscow's airports, such as Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo, taxi services are strictly regulated to ensure safety and order. These airports provide official service points where passengers can book taxis, ensuring they are using licensed and insured drivers.
It is worth noting that the requirement for electric charging stations at new gas stations in Russia does not apply to existing gas stations. Furthermore, the law does not mention any funding or subsidies for their construction.
The implementation of electric charging stations at new gas stations in Russia is a significant step towards a more sustainable and safe future. While the details of the law are still being worked out, it is clear that this move will help to promote the use of electric vehicles and improve road safety in Russia.
The Moscow Regional Duma is considering expanding the new law to necessitate electric charging points in existing finance institutions, aiming to foster growth within the finance industry by catering to the increasing demands of electric vehicle owners. The expansion of electric transportation services beyond gas stations to include public transportation vehicles is another avenue being explored.
