Foreign taxi drivers multiply in Czechia's cities, raising concern

The number of taxi drivers in Czechia, especially in Prague, has surged dramatically over the last decade—driven largely by the rise of app-based services like Uber and Bolt. However, this rapid growth, fueled by foreign drivers, is raising serious concerns over safety, regulation, and communication on Czech roads.

According to Prague City Hall, the number of licensed taxi drivers in the capital increased from around 1,000 in 2014 to more than 5,400 in 2024. Current estimates place the total number of taxi drivers operating in Prague at between 15,000 and 16,000.

Other major cities, including Brno, Ostrava, and Pilsen, are also experiencing a sharp rise in taxi drivers and vehicles—a trend officials attribute primarily to the growth of alternative ride-hailing platforms.

While many of these new drivers are foreigners, city officials warn that many do not meet the skill level needed to drive safely in Prague. Vít Hofman, spokesperson for the Prague municipal government, noted that most applicants are not required to have knowledge of Czech, English, or the city’s layout.

“These applicants…often endanger road users, as they do not have the necessary driving skills or knowledge of traffic regulations,” Hofman said.

Officers from the Prague Municipal Police’s Taxi Team report daily encounters with drivers who ignore or misunderstand basic traffic laws. "Ignorance of traffic regulations and topography go hand in hand,” police spokesperson Irena Seifertová told Czech media outlet iDnes.

Violations include driving in the wrong direction, failing to observe stop or no-entry signs, and misusing taxi lanes. Seifertová described the actions of some drivers as "stunt-like" and potentially hazardous, especially in busy areas such as Žitná and Sokolská streets.

Language limitations are a major concern. Many foreign drivers, particularly those from the former Soviet Union, struggle to communicate with passengers, police, or understand traffic signs. “They don’t understand the signs or instructions from police. This affects both safety and customer experience,” Seifertová said.

In one case, a confused driver took passengers in a loop, ending their ride where it began.

In response, Prague has amended the Road Transport Act. As of July 2025, taxi drivers must hold a valid EU-issued driving license, and licenses are limited to the period of their legal stay.

Still, authorities argue these measures may not go far enough.

“The classic taxi driver is becoming an endangered species,” she added, pointing to the shift toward app-based models and the lack of standardized requirements for drivers.