The lack of clear regulatory framework puts the taxi sector in front of a serious challenge regarding the upcoming currency change. Krasimir Tsvetkov, chairman of the National Taxi Syndicate, revealed to BNR the large-scale technical difficulties that the sector will experience when introducing the euro.
The main problem lies in the outdated technical infrastructure of taxi meters. At the moment, no taxi vehicle has a device capable of generating a cash receipt simultaneously in both currencies – leva and euro.
The expert emphasized the exceptional regulatory ambiguity around these devices. "The devices are outside any registration and we are in a complete legal vacuum," Tsvetkov was categorical. According to him, the existing legislative framework does not provide any specific instructions to manufacturers.
The Law on Euro Introduction treats taxi meters in a specific way. Although mandatory visualization in both currencies is not required, there are certain requirements for the content of payment documents.
Tsvetkov pointed out that sanctions for non-compliance with regulations can be significant. "With our current technical means, we will inevitably violate the principle of double price reflection throughout the entire transition period – from August 2025 to the end of 2026," he explained.
An additional problem is the market of manufacturers. In Bulgaria, three taxi meter manufacturers operate, with one already having withdrawn. Of the remaining two, only one has adapted its production to European directives.
There is also an unspoken pressure from one of the manufacturers not to undertake significant technical changes, which would preserve their outdated models on the market. Tsvetkov described the problematic devices as designed back in the 90s of the last century.
The key challenge is related to harmonizing technical requirements within the European Union. Each device must meet uniform standards, which is currently not fulfilled.
The expert called on the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport to take an official position on the issue and propose specific solutions before entering the eurozone.
The problem raises questions about the taxi sector's readiness to meet the challenges of currency change and requires urgent regulatory and technical corrections.