Since November 2020, taxi service operators in Flanders are obliged to electronically register their journey data in the Chiron database.
This initiative by the Flemish government aims to increase transparency and safety within the sector. However, the introduction of the rules does not appear to be without a hitch. Many taxi companies are struggling with the implementation, while software companies such as Pitane Mobility and Censys BV are helping the sector.
The Chiron database, a central system for individually paid passenger transport, collects information on taxi rides in real time. All permit holders have been required to comply with this obligation since November 2020, which mainly applies to companies with permits issued after January 2020. Registration takes place in three steps, with companies first having to pass tests before they are given access to the production environment. According to the Flemish government, this system should not only facilitate supervision, but also ensure better service and more control over compliance with the regulations.
registration procedure
In order to realise the connection with Chiron, operators must register via a test environment. After successfully sending test messages – five journeys with both departure and arrival data – the final registration on the production environment follows. Nevertheless, this process appears to be a challenge for many companies. The lack of sufficient technical knowledge at smaller companies complicates the integration.
Software suppliers are responding to this with solutions that lower the threshold. Eindhoven-based Censys BV even offers an open API that allows taxi and transport companies to realise the connection with Chiron themselves, even without a full software package. Cabman has also developed a step-by-step plan to guide companies through the process.
Pitane Mobility
A notable player in this market is Pitane Mobility, also based in Eindhoven. This company has experienced unprecedented growth in Flanders in the past year, with sometimes five new connections per week to the Chiron database. In addition to their software solutions, Pitane recently launched a new version of the Pitane Driver application in four languages and equipped with speech technology. Despite the requirement that Flemish taxi drivers must master the Dutch language, Pitane has also introduced a French-language helpdesk. This expansion appears to be necessary, because more than 70 percent of their 'Flemish customers' are based in the Brussels region.
Director Gerrit Saey of Pitane Mobility emphasizes the importance of simplicity in the Chiron coupling. “Many companies are put off by the technical aspects, but with our solutions we want to completely unburden them,” says Saey. He also points out the importance of a user-friendly interface and direct support, which will be further expanded with the arrival of the French-language helpdesk.
Research shows that a large number of Flemish taxi operators still do not comply with the Chiron regulations. This can lead to sanctions, ranging from fines to withdrawal of licenses. Although the government is conducting awareness campaigns and software companies are offering support, there is still work to be done to ensure full compliance.
compliance
The sector is calling for more cooperation between government and businesses. “The rules are clear, but implementation could be easier,” says a spokesperson for a taxi company in Antwerp. “Small entrepreneurs in particular have difficulty understanding the costs and complexity.”
The introduction of Chiron brings undeniable benefits, such as greater transparency and better control of compliance. At the same time, the current situation shows that the sector is on a steep learning curve. Thanks to the support of innovative software companies, the road to full implementation seems within reach.
More information: cdt.taxi
