New taxi rules give passengers fare control and payment choice

No more surprise charges—taxi riders can now choose how to pay and see costs before the trip. Will this end fare conflicts for good?

, and Administrator

2026 May 5 . 6:04 AM

1 min read

The image shows a yellow taxi cab driving down a street lined with tall buildings. There are people... — The image shows a yellow taxi cab driving down a street lined with tall buildings. There are people walking on the sidewalk, umbrellas providing shade, and boards with text. In the background, the sky is visible, and there are poles and wires running along the street.

New taxi rules give passengers fare control and payment choice

A new rule has been introduced to protect taxi passengers from unexpected fare increases. The change gives riders full control over how they pay for their journey. Officials announced the update earlier this month. On May 4, Andrei Gladki, head of the Automobile and Urban Passenger Transport Department, revealed the updated policy. Under the new system, drivers must now provide an estimated fare before starting a trip. This applies to all curb pickups.

In the past, disagreements often arose when passengers faced higher charges at the end of their ride. The latest measure aims to prevent such disputes by ensuring transparency from the start.

Another key change is the right for passengers to select their preferred payment method. Previously, drivers could sometimes dictate how fares were settled, leading to confusion or frustration. The rule shift means passengers will know the expected cost before getting into a taxi. They will also decide whether to pay by card, cash, or another method. Authorities hope this will reduce conflicts and improve trust in taxi services.