Malta’s recent ride-hailing fiasco has raised eyebrows for many reasons. Hundreds of work permit refusals have led to a 19 per cent decrease in Bolt’s drivers. This, Bolt had said in a statement, along with a 23 per cent increase in demand, has led to price hikes.

While ride hailing apps like Bolt, Uber and eCabs dominat the scene because of their fast operations, many have commented on “ridiculous prices” for short distances and long waiting times, ultimately defeating their purpose of being fast.

Social media was flooded with complaints with some recommending smaller, family-run businesses that operate taxis. However, is this price increase enough to make locals switch back to their roots and opt for traditional taxi services?

WhosWho.mt spoke to four taxi operators, where one must call or book online ahead of time, as opposed to ride-hailing platforms where one books a ride as needed. While only one noted an increase in services, two were unaffected and have retained the same number of clients. On the other hand, another operator shared that some clients would rather pay more to “feel safe, be in a clean car and be able to communicate with the driver.”

“Yes, I did see an increase in demand ever since the Government implemented more discipline,” the operator behind Hello Cabs Malta said.  

He added that while the increase wasn’t large it was well noted from one week to another.

This was a welcome development for the operator, as he highlighted that since he operates through its website and more traditional means of booking, he was highly impacted by the implementation of ride-hailing apps.

Tail-Gate Transport Services Director, one of the two taxi operators whose business remained the same, noted that people who would rather make use of ride-hailing apps, ordering a ride on the spot and not in advance, will still search for similar services.

“If not from one app, from another,” he said.

He noted that from his perspective, he still operates with the same clients and highlighted that traditional taxi operators like himself won’t see much change in demand people because of the dynamic of the fast booking-to-arrival system.  

In addition, he remarked that many foreign nationals who do not have a Maltese driving licence would rather opt for free public transport for frequent travel. “This measure had impacted us operators a lot,” he remarked.

Another operator, who has been in the taxi business for the past 40 years and wished to remain anonymous, highlighted that price is not the biggest concern for the general public, but the overall experience.

Speaking from the clients’ point of view, this operator highlighted that some have no issue with the price as long as they can ensure a smooth ride, where they have the option to speak in Maltese if need be.

“Many people comment on pricing but are not aware that operators with a fleet, like me, that once paid €800 for insurance, now need to pay €3,200 because of the large number of claims and accidents other taxis have had,” he added.

Throughout his years in business, he highlighted that he has no problems with healthy competition and even he uses ride-hailing apps from time to time. “However, some of the biggest concerns in the industry are safety, hygiene and overall lowered standards,” he said.

In addition, JTeaM Cabs founder, who recently started a cab business of his own told WhosWho.mt that while his operations are not affected, as his services revolve around pre-booked rides, also vented his frustration over the lack of standards within the industry.

He told WhosWho.mt that, most of the time, taxi drivers are the first people to reach tourists and so not only are first impressions important, but drivers should make an effort to tell them about Malta’s history.

“When we’re attending the training programme to obtain the tag, we are taught how a diesel-powered engine works. If I have a problem with my engine, I go to the mechanic. Drivers who are preparing to start meeting clients should be taught how to deal with them and about Malta’s history so they can be welcoming to tourists,” he concluded.