POLITICS | 13:21 / 12.12.2024
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Competition Committee takes action against unjust taxi charges amid public complaints, passengers receive refunds

The Competition Promotion and Consumer Protection Committee has mandated taxi service providers to refund passengers for unjust charges following numerous complaints about poor service, fare manipulation, and driver misconduct.

Photo: Kun.uz 

The committee’s press service reported that investigations were launched in response to public grievances regarding taxi services. Complaints ranged from inflated fares and drivers’ rude behavior to service quality issues, particularly in cities such as Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Karshi.

In Tashkent region’s Nurafshon city, a raid revealed drivers on the Nurafshon–Kuchlik Qorgon–Arancha route charging passengers 5,000–7,000 UZS per trip instead of the official fare of 2,800 UZS.

In Bukhara’s Kogon city, drivers on routes 103 and 114 were found overcharging passengers without proper licenses or permits. Administrative penalties were issued to several violators.

Tashkent residents using Yandex Go services reported instances where fares were deducted both in cash and from linked bank cards. Delivery services via taxis were also criticized for delays, incorrect deliveries, or failed orders. A total of 1,009,000 UZS in improper charges were refunded to affected customers.

In Jizzakh region, passengers on the Jizzakh–Paxtakor route reported overpayments of more than 40,000 UZS, which have since been reimbursed.

In Karshi city, a Call Taxi driver demanded 32,000 UZS instead of 12,000 UZS from a passenger, coupled with rude behavior. The overcharged amount of 20,000 UZS was refunded, and the driver was advised on proper conduct and fare usage.

The committee emphasized that according to the Law on Consumer Rights Protection, service providers are prohibited from charging for unrendered services or coercing consumers into additional purchases. Taxi fares must be calculated based on taximeter readings at the trip’s conclusion, per government regulations.

Entrepreneurs who rectify violations voluntarily and compensate affected customers within prescribed timeframes may be exempt from administrative and criminal penalties under the committee’s policies.

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