Decree: Only licensed taxi drivers can work with Uber

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The Hungarian government on Wednesday approved a decree that will require local drivers for Uber, a San-Francisco-based ride sharing company, to become licensed taxi drivers, National Development Ministry state secretary János Fónagy said at a press conference today.

The state secretary said that during the drafting phase, the government consulted with both Uber and the representatives of Hungarian taxi companies. He added that the taxi regulations introduced not long ago by the capital was also very helpful in formulating the decree.

“The government does not want to stand in the way of innovative solutions,” Fónagy said commenting on the possibility of taxi drivers using Uber.

If licensed taxi drivers want to use Uberʼs application to get fares, they may, he said. The decree will also require taxi drivers to take “a refresher course” and pass an examination on road rules every five years.

Hungaryʼs Economy Minister Mihály Varga earlier ordered the National Tax and Customs Authority (NAV) to launch an probe of Uber drives in the country. Commenting on the proceedingsInternational Launcher Rob Khazzamm earlier gave an interview to the Budapest Business Journal, vouching for the legality of the company.

Hundreds of Hungarian taxi drivers held a demonstration on June 17 in downtown Budapest, to express their opposition to Uberʼs Hungarian operations.

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