Public Transit Law Services in Georgia | Legal.ge

PublicTransit

How can I get a taxi license in Tbilisi?

You need to apply through the Tbilisi City Hall's website or service centers. For a Category A license (white taxi), your car must meet specific color and age requirements. Category B is for app-based services and has fewer restrictions.

What should I do if I am injured on a public bus?

Passengers are insured by the transport company. You should immediately report the incident to the driver and police, obtain a medical report, and then file a claim for compensation with the carrier's insurance provider.

Can foreign citizens operate a taxi in Georgia?

Yes, foreign citizens can obtain a taxi license if they have a valid residence permit, a Georgian driving license (or a valid international one converted), and a vehicle that meets technical standards.

How are marshrutka routes assigned?

Routes are assigned through municipal tenders. Companies must submit proposals meeting technical and safety criteria. Winning the tender grants the exclusive right to operate on that specific route for a fixed period.

Public Transit Law regulates the sphere of regular and irregular passenger transportation in Georgia. This area covers the legal provision of municipal transport (buses, metro, cable cars), marshrutkas (minibuses), and taxi activities. In recent years, public transport reform has been actively ongoing in Georgia, especially in large cities (Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi), which has increased the complexity of regulations. Legal services in this field are needed by transport companies and private carriers, as well as drivers and passengers who need to protect their rights with administrative bodies or in private disputes.

Legal services in the public transit sector cover specific issues related to licensing and safety. Key services include:

Obtaining permits: Acquiring permits for passenger transportation by M2 and M3 category buses and participating in competitions.
Taxi licensing: Obtaining Category A and B licenses (especially in Tbilisi) and ensuring compliance with regulations (vehicle color, age).
Tenders and contracts: Legal support for participating in municipal tenders and concluding state procurement contracts.
Appealing fines: Appealing fines imposed for ticketless travel, improper parking, or route violations.
Safety and liability: Compensation for damage to passenger health during traffic accidents.
Labor disputes: Regulating labor contracts and conditions between drivers and transport companies.

In practice, the need for this service manifests in various forms. For example, a private company wants to participate in a tender announced by the municipality to service new marshrutka lines; this requires preparing complete tender documentation and meeting qualification requirements. In another case, a taxi driver has their license revoked due to an overdue technical inspection, requiring administrative assistance to restore the right. Also common are cases where a passenger is injured while traveling on public transport and demands compensation from the company or the city hall. The lawyer's role is also crucial for transport companies needing regular consultation regarding legislative changes.

In Georgia, the public transport sector is regulated by the "Law of Georgia on Motor Transport" and the "Law of Georgia on Licenses and Permits." Additionally, acts of local self-government are of utmost importance, for example, "Resolutions of the Tbilisi City Assembly," which define rules for taxi regulation and bus routes in the capital. Administrative offenses are regulated by the "Administrative Offences Code." Protection of passenger rights is based on the "Law on Protection of Consumer Rights" and relevant articles of the Civil Code.

Cooperation with a lawyer begins with problem identification. If the client is a company, its activities are checked for compliance with current regulations. When participating in a tender, the lawyer prepares the legal package and monitors the transparency of the process. In case of a dispute, the specialist represents the client in relevant city hall services or in court. For passengers, the lawyer ensures the collection of evidence (medical certificates, police reports) and legal justification for the compensation claim.

Legal.ge is your reliable guide in public transit law. The platform gathers lawyers who are well-versed in municipal regulations and have successful experience in transport disputes. Whether it involves obtaining a license, appealing a fine, or legal support for business, Legal.ge specialists will help you make effective decisions. Find your lawyer today and ensure the legal soundness of your activities.