Ha Noi’s Department of Transport has proposed to make it compulsory for all taxi transport businesses to use a common taxi operating software from July 1, 2018.

This proposal is one of the contents of the draft policy on the management of taxi transport businesses in the capital, and a response to the demands of agencies, policymakers and the public for better supervision of taxi operations in the city.

The software will connect passengers, taxi agencies and taxi drivers through smart devices such as smart phones and tablets. Taxi drivers and operators will not be allowed to use technical measures or peripheral equipment that interferes with this software.

Ha Huy Quang, deputy director of Ha Noi’s transport department, said the software was the application of science and technology and would help passengers hail taxis faster and would be more convenient. It would also ensure that businesses share benefits and would create a transparent playground for all firms.

The city has asked the Department of Information and Communications to collaborate with the transport department and the taxi association to build the software, Quang added.

Ha Noi will also set up a unified traffic management centre, build intelligent transportation systems to manage and operate its entire traffic infrastructure (traffic lights, public parks) by connecting it to software data at the centres, routes, State management agencies, transportation units and locals.

The joint operating centre of taxi transport units must be connected to the city’s traffic management centre. — VNS