The introduction of the Central Taxi Transport Database (CDT) should provide a more efficient control system for driving and rest times within the sector.
However, the internet consultation shows that various parties still have major concerns about the impact of this change. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) has now published a main points report in which the submitted responses are summarized and answered. The main points of discussion concern the validation of vehicles, the affordability of the new system and enforceability during the transition period.
The transition to the CDT means that taxi entrepreneurs and drivers no longer store their data in a taxi on-board computer (BCT), but supply it directly to a central database. This should improve enforcement by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and combat fraud. However, the introduction is not without its bumps.
validation procedure
One of the most discussed topics in the consultation is the way in which vehicles should be validated. The ministry states that validation is a one-time action in which the vehicle registration card must be scanned. However, several submitters, including large taxi companies, see this as a costly and inefficient process.
For large companies with a nationwide fleet, the proposed approach means that vehicles and their registration cards must physically pass through various workshops for validation. According to the industry, this leads to additional administrative burdens, higher costs and an increase in operational complexity.
However, the ministry is sticking to its current plans, stating that the validation is a one-off and will often coincide with a visit to a garage or installation station. The ministry also emphasises that larger companies can benefit from the ability to scan multiple vehicles at once with the same device.
The sector believes it is important that the CDT is actually checked and enforced. They point to the history surrounding the current BCT pass. How is equality before the law ensured between a carrier that will continue to use the BCT in the coming years and a carrier that has already switched to the CDT? The intention is not for inspectors to choose the “easy” route in the checks. The same level of enforcement must take place during the transitional period.
Another point of contention is the introduction of the driver's license that is supposed to replace the driver card with chip in the BCT. The sector finds such an identification tool useful, but advocates a digital variant, such as a digital wallet. Moreover, there is uncertainty about the costs and requirements of the new card.
The ministry responds by stating that the driver's pass is not yet included in current legislation and will only become relevant from 2027. Until then, the existing scheme will remain in force.
equal enforcement
A common concern from the consultation is that enforcement of the CDT will not be fair. Entrepreneurs fear that inspectors will mainly enforce the new CDT users, while drivers who still work with the BCT will receive less strict checks.
According to the ministry, the ILT will work information-driven and continue to monitor both systems side by side. Inspectors must perform both digital and physical checks to maintain a level playing field. But despite these commitments, the sector remains skeptical and is asking for stricter commitments on this point.
affordability
There are also still questions about the costs of the CDT. Some respondents assume that the new system will be cheaper than the current BCT, while others fear that the costs will increase due to the need to integrate multiple systems.
Another problem that is mentioned is the mandatory ISO 27001 certification for ICT service providers. This is a heavy requirement, which can especially drive smaller software companies to high costs. However, the ministry sticks to this requirement and states that there are no alternatives that guarantee the same data security.
In addition, there are technical concerns about the reliability of the CDT data. Because the legislation does not require a calibrated GPS sensor, the location determination can easily be manipulated with software. The ministry acknowledges this risk, but states that measures are possible to prevent abuse.
implementation delayed
The introduction of the CDT was initially planned for 2024, but has now been postponed until July 1, 2025. According to the ministry, this is due to the care required during the introduction and the practical tests that have already been carried out.
The draft decree will now be submitted to the Council of State for advice via the Council of Ministers. The final implementation date depends on this advice, but the expectation is that the regulations will enter into force in July 2025.
In the meantime, the taxi industry continues to press for further clarifications and adjustments. The coming months will show whether the ministry will still accommodate the objections or stick to the current plan.
