Cab transport prices will increase by about 20%, as will waiting times. This will be the result of a change in the law, which will overnight take away the right to work for 18,000-28,000 cab drivers, mainly in app-based transports, according to an analysis by the Institute of Public Finance published in a report issued jointly with the Employers of Poland. The new regulations are expected to take effect in June 2024.
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The report was presented on April 17, 2024 in Warsaw.
The change in regulations applies to drivers with foreign licenses. As of June 17, 2024, they will not be allowed to drive cabs. They will have to apply for a Polish document. However, to make such an application, one must first meet the “residency obligation,” i.e. stay in Poland for a minimum of 185 days. According to IFP experts’ calculations, 18-28 thousand foreign drivers will lose the right to practice their profession on the day the new regulation comes into force. Many foreigners provide transportation services in Poland – especially in large cities and in transport for application. 63% (and even 80% in Warsaw) of drivers in companies offering rides for the application are non-Polish citizens.
The effect of the new requirement will be primarily price increases and longer cab waiting times. The authors of the analysis added up the extra time: in total, for passengers in Poland, waiting for a ride will increase by 133 million minutes per year.
