De ILT supervises taxi transport. The aim of this is to contribute to safe taxi transport and fair competition in the taxi market. The ILT focuses largely on compliance with working and rest times. This is currently done on the basis of data registered by the On-board Computer Taxi (BCT). It must be installed in every taxi vehicle. However, obtaining and processing that data can and must be improved.
And that is the assignment that the Realization Variant BCT project stands for. Project leader Henri van der Heijden talks about the background and progress of this project. The assignment for the ILT is simple, look for cardless alternatives to the BCT. In previous years, the ILT has conducted research into various scenarios. This resulted in a preferred variant: Data Central.
State Secretary wants to get rid of BCT cards
“In this scenario, a specific app or device is not mandatory, but the manner and frequency in which taxi companies provide their A&R data. That is positive for the taxi entrepreneur, because alternatives to the BCT, such as an app that runs on a smartphone, are probably cheaper.”
Multiple objectives
“In this project, we are working on everything necessary to receive and further process the A&R data online. This includes work processes, organizational design, a central database and the technical connections (interfaces) necessary for the exchange of data with taxi drivers and entrepreneurs, the registers of Kiwa, RDW and KVK and with the BCT Monitoring Tool. The new working method also requires the ministry to make amendments to the law. We also want to encourage ICT service providers to develop products and services that support taxi drivers and entrepreneurs in registering and supplying A&R data.”
Shift
“The intention is that the new system will allow inspectors to spend less time obtaining data. This allows them to focus on checking data and taking risk-driven action. I also think that this will allow inspectors in the field to devote more time and attention to the journeys that taxi drivers have not reported. This means that we achieve more effect in taxi supervision with the same capacity.
Challenge
“A challenge in this project is to ensure sufficient support from the dozens of involved and interested parties. We want a solution that helps us to improve our supervision and at the same time costs the taxi industry less red tape and money.”
Transition Period
The intention is that the agreements, working methods, regulations and (ICT) facilities will be completely ready by 2024. There is then another transition period; the sector has been given until 2028 by the State Secretary to switch from the BCT to suitable alternatives.
"Our efforts are aimed at encouraging taxi entrepreneurs to switch early. The faster we can improve supervision, the faster this will contribute to safe taxi transport and fair competition in the taxi market”.
Source: ILT
Also read: The end of an era taxi on-board computer