Ilham Aliyev reviewed the new automobiles brought to Baku

Another batch of modern automobiles meeting European standards have been brought to Baku in order to improve the quality of taxi service in the capital.

President Ilham Aliyev has reviewed the new automobiles.

The reconstruction of roads in the capital in line with international standards, construction and commissioning of new bridges and overhead crossings in accordance with the instructions of the head of state on improving the road and transport infrastructure of Baku and different regions of Azerbaijan have further increased the need for modern public transport vehicles. The work under way in the automobile transport sector is intended to enable the population to use transport services at a high level.

Extensive work is under way in accordance with instructions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to modernize the taxi depot of Baku and regions. Due to the need for rigorous compliance with law in the area of taxi service for passengers, for eliminating disorganization in this sphere and, in general, in order to ensure organization of the taxi service in line with modern standards, the process of renewing the city’s taxi depot has started.

Transport Minister Ziya Mammadov informed the head of state of the automobiles. It was indicated that in order to provide the Baku population and visitors of the capital with high-quality taxi services, a representation agreement and a contract for the purchase of 1,000 TX4 (London Taxi) cars have been signed between Baku Taxi LLC and the London Taxi Company. A total of 100 taxis have already been brought to Baku, while 900 are to be brought to the capital before the end of this year.

The automobiles have been manufactured specifically for use as taxis. TX4 vehicles have a Euro IV compliant 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine, a five-speed mechanical gearbox and a hydraulic steering gear. The automobiles are highly maneuverable. The transparent glass separating the driver’s seat from the passenger compartment provides for the comfort and security of passengers. The five seats facing each other at the back of the vehicle make it possible for passengers to have a comfortable talk during the journey. The automobile provides passengers with the opportunity to operate both air-conditioners installed in the passenger compartment, use an intercom system for talking to the driver and regulate lighting in the compartment. Passengers can also use power windows. The vehicle is equipped with a special ramp to enable the access of the wheelchairs and perambulators. The said ramp enables comfortable loading of wheelchairs and perambulators into the passenger compartment. One of the extendable seats can then be moved outside and, once the passenger is in it, returned to its place. In other words, the vehicles are fully in line with AZS 425-2010 State Standard “Passenger station facilities and automobiles” approved by an order of the State Committee on Standardization, Metrology and Patents of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 6 December 2010.

The taxis are fitted with taximeters and the passengers are to make payment in accordance with taximeter readings. It was also indicated that Baku taxi drivers have undergone medical checkups and completed special psychological tests. They have also been trained by a special program. Drivers have been trained in ethical conduct, knowledge of city streets, traffic regulations, technical information about the vehicle and other necessary information. A single uniform has been designed for taxi drivers as well.

To date, there are 61 licensed taxi stands with a total of 816 cabs in Baku. A map of taxi stands is available. The number of taxi stands is expected to increase in the future to meet the demand. The 100 taxis will be distributed among 11 taxi stands of the city. It must be indicated that the establishment of all taxi stands is regulated by the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On automobile transport”, which has been approved by a Resolution of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In accordance with the law, each taxi stand is established through coordination between the Ministry of Transport, local city and district executive authorities and relevant departments of the Baku City Traffic Police.

President Ilham Aliyev reviewed the comfort of the newly brought automobiles. Then the head of state got behind the wheel of a taxi and drove it.

After familiarization with the new automobiles brought to the capital, President Ilham Aliyev issued relevant instructions on further stepping up work towards modernizing the taxi depot in Baku and regions.