A Grab bike driver in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo

New Permit Proposal for Motorbike Taxi Drivers Sparks Controversy

The People’s Committee of Hà Nội has put forward a proposal mandating that motorbike taxi drivers, whether they are ferrying passengers or goods, must register for an operational card.

This initiative has incited widespread discussion among the public, with many feeling that the requirement is excessive and could inconvenience drivers.

Under this proposal, drivers must have a vehicle registration, a valid driving licence, identification, and the new operating card while on the road.

Nguyễn Thành Trung, a driver for a ride-hailing app for three years from Thanh Hóa Province, expressed his disbelief regarding the proposal. He noted that drivers are already thoroughly vetted during the hiring process, with companies requiring extensive documentation, including background checks. Passengers can easily communicate any issues directly with the driver or the company.

“I don’t support this proposal. When a passenger books a ride, they can see the driver’s details on the app, making extra verification unnecessary,” Trung stated.

Phạm Khánh Hải, another driver from Bắc Giang Province, echoed these sentiments, arguing that every ride-hailing service utilizes branding and uniforms. Thus, he questioned the necessity of an additional operating card.

“Issuing operating cards seems unnecessary in today’s digital environment, as the technology takes care of driver verification. Asking drivers to go through the process of obtaining new documentation is inefficient,” he remarked.

Nguyễn Văn Quyền, president of the Vietnam Automobile Transportation Association, noted that operating cards can only be issued following business registration. He highlighted that these drivers often work independently and many don’t register formally as businesses.

He raised concerns over whether the card requirement was genuinely aimed at enhancing traffic safety or simply a means of regulatory oversight.

“For the card initiative to enhance service quality and safety, it should have clear objectives and support from relevant authorities,” he added, worrying that the process for obtaining these cards could become unnecessarily complex.

With a substantial number of riders working throughout Hà Nội, there is concern that implementing this new requirement could lead to administrative chaos.

The two-wheeled transportation market has seen significant growth in Hà Nội and other areas.

Lawyer Diệp Năng Bình, who heads the Tinh Thông Law Office, indicated that existing laws require motorbike operators to carry their driver’s licence, insurance, and vehicle registration, but do not mention the necessity for an operating card. He warned that if the paperwork involved becomes excessively burdensome, it may breed negativity toward the process.

The Hà Nội municipal government is open to feedback from the public regarding this proposal and has stated that the requirement will not be enforced without public consensus.

“The aim of issuing operating cards is to promote urban order and traffic safety. Drivers possessing the cards will be acknowledged by local authorities, which will facilitate their access to pick-up and drop-off points,” explained a representative from Hà Nội’s Department of Transport. VNS