Brno to improve quality of taxi services

Brno city hall has passed an ordinance more closely outlining rules for taxi services in the Moravian capital. The move was taken to end disputes with local cab companies; the city has around 500 taxi drivers. Until now, taxicabs were granted only two official stands in Brno – at the main train station and a local square. But under new rules the city will designate another 15 or so areas. These will be available by all taxi companies with operating licences. The head of transport at city hall made clear the intention was to improve overall services. Some measures will be toughened, with fines given to drivers who refuse customers wanting to travel only short distances or to drivers who purposely take longer routes to reach given destinations.