Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Individuals in Uzbekistan will be officially allowed to work as self-employed taxi drivers on a permanent basis. This decision was announced during a presentation to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on measures to further develop the country’s transport and logistics system.

Two years ago, a pilot program granted temporary permission for individuals to work as self-employed taxi drivers, leading to a sixfold increase in their numbers, which now stands at 457,000 drivers. Following the program’s success, the government has decided to make this regulation permanent.

In addition, Uzbekistan’s market for digital platforms connecting taxi drivers with passengers is expanding rapidly. Currently, 151 aggregator companies operate in this sector, with more expected to join.

In light of the growing number of aggregators, the government has tasked relevant authorities with regulating their operations and clearly defining their responsibilities toward the state, drivers, and passengers.