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In a Bold Attempt to Balance the Scales of Urban Mobility, the Chamber of Deputies Approves a Revolutionary Law Allowing Taxis to Make Intercity and Interstate Trips, as Well as Introducing Shared Taxis.
In the Brazilian urban landscape, taxis have always played a fundamental role in the mobility of cities.
For decades, they were the main option for individual transportation, ensuring quick and safe travels.
However, with the advent of ride-hailing apps like Uber and 99, the dynamic of this sector underwent significant transformations.
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These digital platforms brought convenience and competitive prices, challenging the hegemony of traditional taxis.
In light of this new scenario, legislative measures are emerging as a response to balance competition and revitalize the taxi service in the country.
Chamber of Deputies Approves Significant Changes to the Taxi Law
In February 2025, the Chamber of Deputies approved substantial amendments to Law 12.468/11, which regulates the taxi profession in Brazil.
The changes allow taxi drivers to make intercity and interstate trips, provided the ride starts in the municipality where the driver is authorized to operate.
Additionally, the new legislation introduces the concept of shared taxi, allowing different passengers, regardless of their connection to each other, to share the same vehicle.
These measures aim to make taxi service more competitive against ride-hailing platforms, which already offer these modalities.
The new regulation represents a considerable expansion of the services allowed for taxi drivers, who were previously restricted to their cities of origin.
With this change, professionals will be able to serve a broader audience, including people who need to travel to neighboring municipalities or even other states without relying solely on apps.
The legalization of shared taxi also represents an important evolution.
This model is already widely adopted by apps like Uber and 99, which offer the option of shared rides between passengers with similar routes.
Now, taxi drivers will be able to adopt the same practice, which could result in more affordable fares for customers and an increase in demand for the service.
Standardization of Rules and End of Legislative Gaps
Previously, the legislation regulating the activity of taxi drivers did not provide for trips between municipalities or states, nor did it address the sharing of rides among unknown passengers.
This lack of clear guidelines resulted in a fragmentation of the rules, with different regulations in each region, leaving both drivers and passengers in a regulatory limbo.
The approval by the Chamber aims to standardize these rules across the national territory, correcting distortions that varied according to states and municipalities.
Another important aspect of the change is the issue of enforcement.
Before, taxi drivers making intercity or interstate trips could be fined or even lose their license, as there was no clear permission for this type of travel.
With the new law, these penalties no longer exist, as long as the service complies with the established conditions.
Impact of Ride-Hailing Apps on the Taxi Profession
The growing popularity of ride-hailing services was one of the main factors driving this legislative reform.
Apps like Uber and 99 operate within a digitally integrated business structure, allowing for agility in sharing rides and real-time route adjustments.
Meanwhile, the taxi sector, for the most part, still operates with more traditional and regulated systems, which limited its ability to compete directly with these tech giants.
The introduction of shared taxis and the permission for intercity and interstate trips represents attempts to modernize the service and make it more attractive to users.
Additionally, the change may benefit passengers who frequently travel between nearby cities but previously had few transportation options.
Another expected impact is the improvement of taxi drivers’ income.
With the possibility of serving new markets and offering a more flexible service, many professionals may see a significant increase in demand.
On the other hand, an adaptation effort will be required to compete with apps that already dominate the technology and logistics of shared travel.
Next Steps and Challenges in Implementing the New Measures
Although approval in the Chamber of Deputies is a significant step towards modernizing taxi legislation in Brazil, many details still need to be worked out.
The proposal now goes to the Federal Senate and, if approved, will be sent for presidential sanction.
The practical impact on the daily lives of taxi drivers and passengers will depend on how the rules are implemented in each state and municipality.
Issues such as the regulation of shared taxi and the enforcement of intercity and interstate trips will be crucial for the success of these changes.
Experts point out that it will be necessary to define clear rules regarding the pricing of shared rides, the division of costs among passengers, and the adaptation of pick-up and drop-off points.
Additionally, there are technical and operational challenges. Taxi drivers will need to invest in more modern management systems that allow for the organization and optimization of shared rides.
To that end, partnerships with technology companies or cooperatives may be a viable alternative to ensure the new service operates efficiently.
Reactions from the Category and Expectations for the Future
The taxi category received the changes with optimism, seeing them as an opportunity to regain space in the individual transportation market.
The ability to make longer trips and offer shared taxi services is seen as ways to attract new clientele and increase profitability.
However, there is also caution regarding the need for adaptations and investments to fit in with the new service modalities.
Some drivers fear that competition will remain unfair, as ride-hailing apps operate with less regulation and bureaucratic requirements.
To balance this situation, experts argue that the taxi sector should adopt new customer acquisition strategies and invest in differentiated services.
On the other hand, users may benefit from a more accessible and competitive service.
With more options available, there is a chance that prices will become more attractive, which may encourage taxi use among a public that previously opted only for apps.
Engraçado taxista reclamar… Têm isenção de impostos para compra de carro, podem trafegar por corredores de ônibus, têm pontos fixos, tarifas mais altas…
Ter um órgão regulador para aplicativos é retroceder, o mercado é autorregulado. Não funciona 100%, tem falhas, abusos, mas se o governo meter a mão, só vai piorar.
No interior acabou o táxi, qualquer um compra um luminoso escrito uber, e as prefeituras e a polícia militar finje não ver, só fiscalizam os táxis
Os táxis cobram valores abusivos por isso os aplicativos foram cada dia mais tomando espasso por exemplo uma corrida de 15 reais os táxis no mínimo cobram 30 reais fora de base