Decree 158/2024/ND-CP, effective from January 1, 2025, outlines regulations for road transport operations, including taxi services. When engaging in passenger transport by taxi, trip fares can be calculated through various methods such as taximeters, electronic devices, or ride-hailing software that directly connects passengers to drivers for booking, cancellation, and fare calculation.
For taximeter-based fares, the decree mandates that taxis must be equipped with calibrated and sealed meters approved by authorized measurement verification agencies. Additionally, a fixed-position printer or receipt machine connected to the taximeter must be installed in a location easily visible to passengers. At the end of each trip, drivers are required to issue electronic invoices or receipts to passengers.
Regarding ride-hailing software, taxis must have a device that directly connects passengers to the driver for booking and cancellation. Trip fares are determined based on the distance calculated by digital maps. The software must comply with laws related to electronic transactions, and the customer interface must display the name or logo of the transport business operator. Before each trip, passengers should be provided with essential information, including fare details.
Trip fares are agreed upon between passengers and transport businesses based on the cost breakdown displayed in the taxi or through the transport business’s ride-hailing software.
Notably, the decree also allows for trip fares to be agreed upon with the transport business operator. Specifically, it states that “trip fares are agreed upon between passengers and transport businesses based on the cost breakdown displayed in the taxi or through the transport business’s ride-hailing software.”
At the end of each trip, transport businesses using ride-hailing software must send electronic invoices to passengers via the software and transmit the invoice information to the tax authority as required by law. Taxi operators are responsible for notifying the local Department of Transport and tax authority about the fare calculation method employed in their vehicles.
