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A new directive was announced that prohibits drivers without an Addis Ababa ID from providing Bajaj transport services within the city. This directive emerged during a discussion centered on the regulation of three- and four-wheeled vehicle public transport services in Addis Ababa.
The new guidelines aim to address previous issues related to the operation of these vehicles. Specifically, service providers will now be required to possess an Addis Ababa residence ID, an Addis Ababa license plate, and be part of an organized association. This measure is intended to curb legal violations and enhance accountability among public transport providers.
The influx of drivers from outside Addis Ababa has been identified as a security concern. Unlike those with the city’s license plates and IDs, these drivers are harder to regulate and hold accountable, particularly in cases of criminal activity.
In light of these concerns, the directive also indicates that Bajaj transport services may eventually be phased out, as they are deemed incompatible with the city’s evolving vision. However, until this phase-out is complete, drivers in Addis Ababa must adhere to the new requirements.
Despite these changes, there remains a significant demand for Bajaj transport services, especially in areas with shared residences and in the inner neighborhoods of the city. These vehicles are a vital means of transportation for many citizens, and they provide a livelihood for numerous young drivers who rely on this work to support their families.
Historically, Bajajs were restricted to operating on the outskirts of the city, away from major highways. This directive represents a shift in the regulation of these vehicles as the city strives to modernize its transportation infrastructure.
What does it mean ‘ID for Bajaj drivers.’ All these years they were never required to have an ID? Wow!!!