Two thirds of Russian taxi companies decided not to upgrade their cars in 2026

Next year, two thirds (66%) of Russian taxi companies do not plan to upgrade their cars due to the difficult economic situation, despite the new requirements of the localization law. This was reported on November 25 by the TASS news agency with reference to a study by the Association of the National Taxi Council (NST), which surveyed 15 taxi companies from different federal districts of the country.

The main reasons given by the respondents were the low payback of cars, the high cost of Russian cars and the unwillingness of passengers to drive them. At the same time, 39% of respondents previously updated their car fleet every few years, and 26% — once a year.

72% of the carriers surveyed immediately stated that more than half of their cars do not meet the requirements of the localization law. Another 10% does not have a suitable 30-50% of the fleet. According to estimates by 67% of the surveyed carriers, they will need up to 50 million rubles to upgrade, 23% — 50-100 million rubles, 10% — more than 100 million rubles.

Almost a third (30%) of respondents said they were considering leaving the market. Another 40% of taxi companies are not ready to make plans for further work until the full list of models allowed for use in taxis becomes known. Some of the remaining 30% reported that they will work until the current lease agreements expire (after that they cannot be included in the taxi registry if the cars do not meet the requirements of the localization law).

The NST stated that the authorities should include all cars produced in the Russian Federation in the list of permitted vehicles and adopt an amendment to the quota of non-localized cars of 25% for self-employed drivers. As it was reported the day before, the government supported the bill on the quota.

Quota benefits: self-employed taxi drivers may be allowed to import cars

The State Duma is discussing easing the requirements for the localization of the fleet

Earlier, on November 19, it was reported that, according to a study, despite the entry into force of the law on localization of cars in taxis starting next spring, almost half of drivers (42%) engaged in such transportation are going to continue working in their cars.

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