Self-governing cities in Georgia, similar to Tbilisi, may soon be granted the authority to issue taxi licenses, according to a draft law submitted to Parliament by members of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The proposed amendments to the “Law on Motor Transport” would allow legal entities established by self-governing city municipalities to issue permits for regular passenger transport and taxi services (M1 category) within municipal boundaries.
The explanatory note states that the initiative is linked to planned changes in the Local Self-Government Code, which would allow self-governing cities to establish public legal entities (LEPLs) for this purpose.
According to the draft, granting these powers would also enable municipalities to generate additional revenue through licensing fees and expedited service charges. While permit fees would go directly to municipal budgets, income from fast-track services would be allocated to the budgets of the newly created LEPLs.
Currently, only Tbilisi regulates taxi licensing, while other self-governing cities include Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, and Poti. Under the proposed changes, these cities would gain the ability to adopt secondary legislation and set their own taxi service regulations.
In Tbilisi, taxi licensing generated GEL 4.7 million in 2025, GEL 5.6 million in 2024, and GEL 2.3 million in 2023. Licensed taxis in the capital are white and are also allowed to use designated bus lanes.
