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Sat, May 26 2012
Bulgaria's competition watchdog rejects taxi fare regulations
Photo: Nadezhda Chipeva
Bulgaria's Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) has ruled out the implementation of a proposal that stipulated the introduction of a price range for taxi companies in Bulgaria, Dnevnik daily reported on June 28 2010.
The regulations proposal put forth by the Transport Ministry stipulated a minimum price and a ceiling price that cab companies could charge, but the CPC ruled against the proposal. CPC, which is entrusted with combating monopoly in the country, said that any such intervention would only serve as an excuse for taxi companies to institute a price cartel.
"Putting a maximum price ceiling on the taxi service would mean that all parties affected would create a cartel among themselves and establish prices which are close to the preceding ones," Dnevnik quoted a CPC spokesperson as saying.
The report said that the Transport Ministry had requested the opinion of the CPC on the matter, and in turn, CPC said that that they "understand the social aspect of implementing such a measure, but that it would be against established European practices".
"This would negate the initiative from the companies. It will deter them from improving the diversity of their services, and the quality of service," the CPC said.
Cab companies charging exorbitant amounts as fare have been repeatedly criticised as creating a poor first impression of Bulgaria among foreign travellers, who are the most likely to be stung by them.
The regulations proposal put forth by the Transport Ministry stipulated a minimum price and a ceiling price that cab companies could charge, but the CPC ruled against the proposal. CPC, which is entrusted with combating monopoly in the country, said that any such intervention would only serve as an excuse for taxi companies to institute a price cartel.
"Putting a maximum price ceiling on the taxi service would mean that all parties affected would create a cartel among themselves and establish prices which are close to the preceding ones," Dnevnik quoted a CPC spokesperson as saying.
The report said that the Transport Ministry had requested the opinion of the CPC on the matter, and in turn, CPC said that that they "understand the social aspect of implementing such a measure, but that it would be against established European practices".
"This would negate the initiative from the companies. It will deter them from improving the diversity of their services, and the quality of service," the CPC said.
Cab companies charging exorbitant amounts as fare have been repeatedly criticised as creating a poor first impression of Bulgaria among foreign travellers, who are the most likely to be stung by them.
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Bulgaria presses ahead with plan to put ceilings on taxi fares
Against a background of numerous complaints about exorbitant fares charged by some taxi firms, Bulgaria’s Cabinet has asked Parliament to approve legislation that would empower local authorities to set limits on taxi tariffs – a move that already has come in for criticism from the competition watchdog.
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please everything in bulgaria is a cartel and the biggest one is the government there is no common interest here only self interest, Bulgarians dont care if there known for ripping people of nothing will change and the way this government is going you want have to worry about the mafia or cartel as there will be only one them
Better to take the bus. Sure, you have to wait a little longer for it and takes longer to get to the city, but it's a hell of a lot cheaper...
So the false OK companies are implicitly authorised to continue their unfair practices of copying the logo of OK Supertrans and charge double and triplefares. Stupid decision. Bullshit!
I agree regulation is needed after paying 40 leva from Ovcha Kupel bus station to Central once. However, there are signs posted at the Sofia airport requesting people to use airport approved taxi services. Both of which have desks with English speaking representatives nearby where you can request a taxi. I've never paid more than 12 leva from the airport to the city center. Both of these taxis can be called from anywhere in Sofia and are known for being reputable. I have also been with Bulgarians in Sofia when a taxi tried to charge 4 leva/km fares. It's not [...]
Read the full comment just the foreigners they're ripping off.
I know of a British Couple living
in Bulgaria who were charged 80 Euros by a Taxi Driver for a fare from Sophia Airport to the City Centre[ they called the Police but were told there was nothing "They" could do about it as the Taxi driver could charge what he liked]
Perhaps regulation could prevent this and encourage more Brits to invest and live in Bulgaria, thereby helping the economy.
PLEASE do something about those stupid cabs that charge stupid prices...how can one know just arriving for the 1st time,cabs everywhere(in the normal world)charge by a standard/normal fare.I mean from the airport one knows more or less but 60plus leva!Please wake up and join the normal system,,we are not all football players earning thousands!
The Commission who slithered to this decision is either barmy or bent. When are you Ostriches going to get your head out of the sand and face your responsibilities. The days of ruling with fear and corruption are on the way out in all but third world countries. Do you want to be taken seriously by the rest of Europe. The way I read this the Commission are the Cartel