Eyjólfur Ármannsson, the Minister of Infrastructure and a member of the People's Party, has introduced a new legislation that revives the old taxi driver regulations in Iceland. The legislation, which was passed by the Alþingi (the Icelandic parliament), mandates that taxi drivers must be registered with a licensed taxi service and that these services are required to document every trip, including start and end locations, the vehicle's position, the route taken, and passenger payments. This legislation aims to improve accountability and service standards in the taxi industry.

In addition to the trip documentation requirements, the new regulations also empower passengers by obligating taxi services to provide an easy way for them to submit complaints and suggestions regarding high fares or poor service. Taxi drivers are now required to inform passengers about their rights to lodge complaints with the relevant authorities, which is a significant step towards enhancing consumer protection in the transportation sector. This change comes as part of a broader initiative to ensure fairness and transparency in taxi services in Iceland.

The introduction of this legislation follows controversial amendments to the taxi laws made in 2022 during the tenure of former Minister Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson. By undoing these changes, Minister Ármannsson aims to restore public confidence in the taxi services and ensure that passengers' needs are addressed effectively. The legislative changes are seen as a positive step towards a more regulated and accountable taxi service industry in Iceland, potentially leading to improved service quality for residents and tourists alike.