If a driver takes an order from Yerevan to Goris after work, what hopes are there that the passenger will reach their destination? MP from the Prosperous Armenia Party

During a recent discussion, MP Arthur Davlakyans from the Prosperous Armenia Party expressed concerns about the impact of online service companies on licensed passenger transport companies. He addressed his worries to the Minister of Transport, Communication, and Information Technologies, Hakob Arshakyan.

The minister confirmed that small passenger transport companies operating with vehicles accommodating up to eight people have become a bit more active recently. “Currently, legal acts are being developed to regulate these transportations and prevent harm to licensed companies. From another perspective, the supervisory body is responsible for overseeing these operations, and we promptly forward any applications we receive to them and the State Revenue Committee if necessary. Thus, we are trying to coordinate these efforts,” he said.

Davlakyans also raised a question about many state employees who drive taxis after work. How should this issue be resolved?

In response, Arshakyan stated that he does not see any violation in this situation as it is the right of those individuals, regulated by the laws of the Republic of Armenia.

However, Davlakyans countered, stating that he disagrees with the minister's viewpoint. “If a person is driving a taxi after work and is taking an order from Yerevan to Goris, what hopes are there that the passenger will reach their destination, or that the driver will return to Yerevan? All of our drivers should be licensed,” he emphasized.