Motorcycle passenger transport services have not yet been legalized, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) said yesterday, adding that people who access such services would not be covered by liability insurance plans.
The ministry issued the statement after reports that Uber is considering offering motorcycles as part of its services in Taipei’s Beitou District (北投).
Article 34 of the Highway Act (公路法) defines taxis as a commercial vehicle and stipulates that businesses or people operating taxi services should use sedans for hire.
Photo: Taipei Times
Taxis are intended for use by a single passenger or a small group of passengers within designated service areas, it says.
Regulations do not permit motorcycles to be used as commercial vehicles for carrying passengers, the ministry said.
Ride-hailing platform operators would contravene the act if they provide motorcycle passenger services to customers, it said, adding that they could face a maximum fine of NT$25 million (US$791,264).
Motorcyclists who offer such services could also be fined up to NT$200,000, and have their driver’s license and license plate revoked, the ministry said.
As motorcycle passenger transport services are illegal, operators are ineligible for commercial-use insurances, passenger insurance and commercial liability coverage, the ministry said, citing consultations on insurance issues with the Financial Supervisory Commission.
The risk classifications and insurance premium structures for private vehicles and commercial vehicles are different, the ministry said.
If vehicles are illegally used for commercial passenger transport, insurance companies might refuse claims and disputes in the event of an accident, leaving drivers and passengers without full protection, it said.
“Based on public safety and consumer protection considerations, the government would not permit motorcycles to be used for illegal commercial passenger transport services,” it added.
Motorcycle passenger transport services have existed in Beitou for years because of its unique terrain and its reputation as a hot spring town, the ministry said.
The Taipei City Government should introduce city regulations or administrative measures to provide guidance and oversight, and steer the industry toward improved safety management and service transformation, it said.
It would be inappropriate to use the unique case of Beitou as the basis for legalizing motorcycle passenger transport nationwide, it added.
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