The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a new regulation limiting the number of taxi operation permits in Baku to 25,000, according to a decree signed by Prime Minister Ali Asadov, Report news agency said.
Under the decision, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport must submit annual proposals on the maximum number of taxi permits by August 1 of each year. The new quota will take effect on November 1, 2025, and remain in force until a new limit is determined.
The Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA) said the measure is designed to improve service quality and efficiency in the capital’s transport sector and to balance passenger flows between different modes of public transport.
The reform follows a nationwide effort to modernize the taxi industry, including the creation of the E-Taxi digital platform, which oversees driver certification, vehicle tracking, and permit issuance.
AYNA noted that the reforms have already produced results: 67% of Baku’s taxi fleet now consists of vehicles under eight years old, compared to 62% that were over 15 years old before the reforms.
Around 55% of taxis – or 18,825 cars – were produced within the past five years, and 79% of the fleet now uses white or red vehicles, the colors officially designated by the Cabinet.
Officials emphasized that the quota will not affect existing permit holders, and that new licenses will be issued gradually in accordance with the law. The quota system aims to balance supply and demand, maintain service standards, and reduce congestion while supporting continued environmental upgrades in the taxi fleet.
