Age limit for taxi drivers to be raised to 70: ministry

Taipei--The age limit for taxi drivers will be raised from 68 to 70 next month, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) said on Tuesday.

However, those over 68 years old will be required to pass a cognitive ability test to prove they can work as taxi drivers, the ministry added.

The MOTC explained that according to available statistics taxi drivers over 65 are not at greater risk of being involved in traffic accidents, which is why the ministry is encouraging more senior citizens to remain in the job market.

Currently, taxi drivers over 60 are required to undergo a medical check-up each year to determine whether they are fit enough to drive safely.

The new policy is expected to increase the number of taxi drivers by about 30,000 once it comes into effect in early April, the ministry said.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel