Soran bans private cars from operating as taxis

SORAN — The city of Soran, in Erbil province, has implemented a ban on private cars operating as taxis, with penalties for vehicle owners who fail to comply. The enforcement of this measure began earlier this month, alongside the establishment of 12 designated taxi ranks within the city center to streamline transportation services.

According to data previously provided to 964media by Soran transportation officials, over 800 private cars were operating as taxis, compared to just 150 licensed taxis in regular service.

Barzan Mir Ali, head of Soran’s Transportation and Communication Directorate, told 964media, “The decision to ban private cars from operating as taxis is being implemented in coordination with Soran’s traffic department.”

He explained, “Any driver who fails to comply will face penalties. The first offense incurs a fine of 40,000 Iraqi dinars ($26), and a second offense raises the fine to 100,000 dinars ($66). Repeated violations may result in the vehicle being impounded.”

Mir Ali also noted the introduction of 12 designated taxi stops in the market area, encouraging residents to use licensed taxis rather than private vehicles for daily transportation.

Home to nearly 400,000 residents across six districts and sub-districts, Soran gained autonomous administration status within the Kurdistan Region in 2021.

While local authorities acknowledge the challenges of fully enforcing the ban from the outset, they have increased surveillance efforts on private vehicles operating as taxis. Authorities aim to restore order and reduce unregulated taxi services in the city’s central areas over time.

The Soran Autonomous Administration faces a significant shortage of public transportation, forcing residents to rely on private vehicles while efforts continue to develop a more accessible transit system.

Barzan Mir Ali previously highlighted challenges in establishing public transportation, noting that past attempts faced resistance from residents.

Last year’s effort to launch a public bus service in Soran saw limited success, with buses frequently running empty due to low passenger turnout.

In the absence of adequate public transportation, many private vehicles continue to serve as informal taxis, with some drivers citing financial barriers as a reason for not obtaining taxi licenses. This dynamic has contributed to the persistence of unregulated transport services, despite municipal regulations requiring only licensed taxis to operate.