Information for citizens and interested applicants

Tvøroyrar Municipality occasionally receives enquiries about taxi services and how to obtain a licence to operate a taxi in the municipality.

Taxi services are commercial passenger transport by motor vehicle approved and equipped to carry no more than 9 persons, including the driver. A taxi licence from the municipality is required for such services.

The rules are based on the Faroese Act on Taxi Services and the standard taxi regulations, which set out requirements regarding licences, vehicles, equipment, use and fares.

Who grants taxi licences?

Taxi licences are granted by the Municipal Council of Tvøroyrar Municipality.

Before a licence is granted, the licence will normally be publicly advertised, allowing interested applicants to apply. Applications may also be submitted for consultation to a relevant trade association or business operator before the Municipal Council makes its decision.

The licence is granted to the applicant whom the Municipal Council considers best qualified and who fulfils the requirements for operating a taxi service.

Who can obtain a licence?

A taxi licence may only be granted to an individual. The licence is personal and may not be sold, leased, lent, pledged, inherited or otherwise transferred to another person.

As a general rule, one person may only hold one taxi licence for one taxi. In special cases, the same person may be granted more than one licence if there is a need for additional taxis and no other qualified applicants are available.

The applicant must hold a driving licence for passenger transport against payment.

Where possible, the licence should be used as a full-time occupation.

How is the number of licences determined?

The Municipal Council determines the number of taxi licences in the municipality. In its assessment, the Council considers, among other things:

• the number of existing taxi licences in the municipality,

• how existing licences are being used,

• the need for a reasonable taxi service for residents and visitors,

• the possibility of reasonable earnings for taxi operators.

This means that a new licence is not automatically granted, even if the applicant fulfils the personal requirements. The municipality must also assess the need for the service and the overall number of licences.

How long is the licence valid?

A taxi licence is granted for 5 years at a time.

The licence may be renewed, provided that the licence holder has not seriously or repeatedly breached the taxi regulations or the conditions attached to the licence.

What is required of the vehicle?

A vehicle may not be used as a taxi until it has been approved for such use.

The vehicle must, among other things:

• be approved for commercial passenger transport,

• be equipped to carry at least 4 persons, including the driver,

• have at least 4 doors,

• not be used to carry more persons than it is approved for,

• have the required taxi markings and equipment.

The taxi must be visibly marked so that passengers can identify it as a taxi. Information about the licence holder, the vehicle and any taxi station must be visible in or on the vehicle.

Fares and charges

The applicable taxi fares must be available in the taxi and must be shown to passengers upon request.

It is not permitted to charge more than the fare approved under the applicable rules.

Duties of the taxi driver

When a taxi is available, the driver must generally accept requests for taxi transport from within the municipality, provided that road and weather conditions allow this.

The journey must be carried out by the fastest suitable route to the destination requested by the passenger and without unnecessary delay. If the passenger requests another route, this should normally be respected.

The driver is not obliged to accept a passenger who is not fit to be transported.

Can a licence be withdrawn?

Yes. A taxi licence may be withdrawn if it has not been used for more than 3 months.

A licence may also be withdrawn if the licence holder seriously or repeatedly breaches the duties set out in the regulations or the conditions attached to the licence.

Upon application, a licence holder may be allowed not to use the licence temporarily for a specified period. In such cases, the licence must be returned to the municipality.

Appeals

Decisions made by the Municipal Council under the taxi regulations may be appealed to the Faroese Government within 14 days from the date on which the decision was notified.

How do I apply?

When a taxi licence is advertised, information about the application deadline, requirements and necessary documentation will be published on the website of Tvøroyrar Municipality.

An application should normally include:

• name, address and contact details of the applicant,

• information about the applicant’s driving licence for passenger transport against payment,

• information about the intended vehicle,

• information about experience and qualifications,

• information about how the applicant intends to organise the service,

• whether the taxi service will be operated as a full-time occupation.

Citizens and interested applicants are welcome to contact Tvøroyrar Municipality for further information about taxi licences and the applicable procedure.