It will be interesting to see how many passenger transport operators are able to comply with the 2026 mandatory confirmation letter process (see last Thursday’s newspaper). The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) announced the introduction of a mandatory CRIB number submission and two distinct application tracks.
The latter separates individual bus and taxi permit-holders from legal entities, including bus companies, touring cars, unregulated operators and car rentals. She said this centralises documentation, reduces administrative delays and improves overall processing efficiency. Having businesses submit all vehicles operating under the same permit and plate category in one consolidated application strengthens regulatory oversight and ensures compliance with the National Ordinance Persons Transport, she added.
The deadline is Friday, February 27. Those who fail to meet it risk operational delays or being marked as inactive. However, when new requirements are set, people and businesses involved usually need some time to adapt, and the question can be asked if one month is really enough.
CRIB numbers relate to paying taxes, something certainly not all people and businesses concerned have been doing over the years. In fact, a number of them may need help in this sense, and government would do well to offer more of such going forward.
At the end of the day, it’s important to properly regulate this sector, historically seen as a bit of a Wild West, and efforts in that direction generally deserve support. Nevertheless, when it comes to how effective this new approach turns out, the proof of the pudding will be very much in the eating.
