200 thousand drivers may leave the taxi industry due to the localization of cars

Due to the law on taxi localization, which will come into force in the spring of 2026, about 200 thousand drivers (20% of the total number) may leave the industry. This assessment is given in the minutes of the meeting of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) on the localization of taxi cars, Kommersant reported on September 16. The reason for this is the inability of some taxi companies and drivers who transport their cars to meet the requirements for the localization of cars.

According to the estimates of the meeting participants, by the end of 2024, there were more than 700 thousand cars owned by individuals in the industry, over 70% of which are used for part-time work. About 79% of such cars do not comply with the requirements of the adopted law. The Association of the Self-Employed of Russia is confident that the majority of self-employed taxi drivers will not be able to replace their cars with the required models due to the high cost of new Russian-made cars, the unavailability of preferential car loans and leasing programs.

As for taxi companies, upon completion of the lease, they will have to purchase new localized cars or lease them, which may lead to an increase in rental rates for drivers and an increase in fares for passengers, according to the Maxim taxi service. About 340 thousand vehicles are involved in professional carriers and taxi companies, according to the minutes of the meeting.

To carry in Russian: The State Duma has relaxed the requirements for taxi cars

How will the new rules affect the cost of transportation

Earlier, on September 12, it was reported that in the fall of 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia plans to publish a final list of cars that can be allowed to use in taxis under the new law on localization requirements. The preliminary list includes models of six brands that are produced in the country.

The list of cars allowed to work in taxis under the new law may include Lada, Moskvich and Evolute models, as well as Haval, Solaris and Sollers, the publication claimed, citing its sources.

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