Taxis Allowed To Deliver Meals Indefinitely
Japan's transport ministry will allow taxi operators to deliver meals and drinks as part of their regular business. The measure is aimed at supporting the industry, which has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak.
Taxi operators have been allowed to deliver items from restaurants to customers on a temporary basis since April. The measure was to expire at the end of this month. But the ministry has decided to keep it in place indefinitely from October.
The ministry notes there is no immediate prospect of the outbreak ending, while demand for home delivery will likely remain high. Officials say the taxi industry is pinning its hopes for survival on food delivery services.
To receive permits for the new business, drivers will be required to put delivery items in the trunk, and not transport items and passengers at the same time.
Fees will be decided between taxi operators and restaurants.
