In a move aimed at addressing the nationwide shortage of taxi drivers, Fukuoka City is working to introduce a groundbreaking system that would allow individuals with standard driving licenses to operate taxis, provided certain conditions are met. The city is planning to request the national government to establish a special zone for this initiative. The taxi industry is struggling with staffing shortages as drivers who left their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic are not returning, even as demand picks up. According to insiders, Fukuoka City aims to relax the existing regulation that requires taxi drivers to hold a Class 2 license. Under the proposed new system, individuals would be eligible to drive a taxi if they meet certain criteria, such as being an employee of a taxi company and undergoing specific training. The goal is to make it easier for businesses to hire drivers. Fukuoka City is planning to coordinate further with the national government and the taxi industry. Source: NHK
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