(source: AP/TASR)
The taxi service Uber will return to Bratislava, one year after it had to turn off its app in the capital and withdraw from the Slovak market. It is expected to restore its operation in spring 2019, with a fully licensed service. The company has not specified a date, the Sme daily reported.
“We are looking forward to being a better partner for the city and we will offer a comfortable and affordable means of transport to Bratislava citizens,” Uber wrote to Sme.
The decision comes only a few days after new rules for taxi services became effective. The changes were proposed by the Transport Ministry and softened the conditions for gaining a licence to provide a taxi service.
What changed?
Under the new rules, drivers do not need to take the expertise ability exam. Having a driving license, passing psychological tests and a certificate of health are enough now. Taxi services are not required to have compulsory parking spots, Sme wrote.
Uber turned off its app in spring 2018, after the Bratislava Regional Court had forbidden it to provide the service without the needed permissions.
The European Court of Justice had ruled that Uber provided a transport service in December 2017, Sme wrote.
Shortly after the launch of the new rules, another alternative taxi service Bolt (previously Taxify) reported problems. The service is trying to get all the necessary permissions. That is why there are less of its cars in Bratislava, according to the daily.
