Illegal taxi services are operating rampant in Nghe An province again.
(Baonghean.vn) - In recent years, the problem of illegal passenger transport in Nghe An has become increasingly complex. It seems that almost every provincial road has these types of passenger vehicles. Especially during social distancing periods, when passenger buses and coaches are suspended, this illegal form of transport takes advantage of the situation to intensify its operations.
In recent years, the problem of illegal passenger transport in Nghe An has become increasingly complex. It seems that almost every provincial road has these types of vehicles. Especially during social distancing periods, when passenger buses and coaches are suspended, this illegal form of transport takes advantage of the situation to increase its activity. Significantly, these illegal vehicles have subsequently taken over a large portion of the passengers from officially licensed passenger transport companies.
In Nghe An province, it is estimated that there are approximately 400 seven-seater vehicles (unlicensed taxis) transporting passengers from districts to Vinh City. Notably, some districts have more than 50 such vehicles. The destination of many of these vehicles is often hospitals in the center of Vinh City.
At 7 a.m. on a day in early July, as usual, old, dilapidated 7-seater vans crowded the entrance to the Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital (Ton That Tung Street, Vinh City). These unlicensed vans were easily recognizable. They were packed with passengers, their windows tinted black to make it difficult to see inside. Meanwhile, the drivers kept a watchful eye, looking for any sign of authorities...
These vehicles quickly drive straight into the hospital, dropping off passengers without a care. Many drivers even go inside to complete the admission procedures for their passengers. “That’s why we choose unlicensed taxis. Despite knowing this type of service is illegal,” said Ms. Hong, a passenger from Do Luong district. A few days ago, Ms. Hong fell ill and planned to go to Vinh City for a check-up. As on many previous occasions, instead of going to the main road 10 km from her house to catch a bus, she proactively contacted an unlicensed taxi driver near her home for transportation.
Although she was a regular customer, Ms. Hong recounted that the driver still reminded her to claim she was a "family member" to avoid trouble with authorities if the vehicle was stopped for inspection. The Do Luong - Vinh City route is one of the provincial routes with the highest number of unlicensed 7-seater taxis, with approximately 60 vehicles. On average, these drivers charge passengers about 10,000 VND more than bus fares.