Monaco has overhauled the way seasonal taxi licences are awarded, introducing a clear hierarchy that favours Monégasques and residents while giving greater weight to experienced drivers, as the Principality looks to improve taxi availability and service quality.
The changes are particularly relevant for Monaco residents and visitors who have experienced difficulties finding taxis during major events and periods of high demand. They form part of a wider discussion between the Government, National Council and taxi profession over how to ensure the Principality has sufficient capacity when it is busiest.
Under the new system, seasonal taxi licences are awarded according to a formal order of priority: Monégasque nationals first, followed by spouses, parents or children of Monégasques, then Monaco residents, and finally non-residents.
The National Council says the changes follow two years of discussions with the Government and strengthen Monaco’s National Priority policy within the sector.
Experience to count for more
The scoring system used to select seasonal taxi drivers has also been revised, with greater weight now given to professional experience.
Previous experience working as a seasonal taxi driver is more heavily recognised, a change the National Council says will favour the return of candidates who have already demonstrated their ability to provide the service.
That change is already evident in the application process for the 2027 season. Drivers who worked during the previous season can ask for their previous average score from the English and Italian language assessments to be carried forward.
Language skills remain part of the selection process — an important consideration in a country where a large proportion of taxi passengers are international. Candidates who meet the initial requirements will undergo oral English and Italian tests, as well as a motivation interview.
Focus shifts to availability and service
The changes come alongside Monaco’s recently revised taxi tariffs and a broader attempt to address the availability of taxis throughout the year.
National Council President Thomas Brezzo said the objective went beyond National Priority and was also to ensure Monaco has a taxi service that is sufficiently sized, responsive and of a high standard for both residents and visitors.
One potentially significant change is still being discussed: the creation of a supplementary taxi fleet that could be mobilised outside the traditional high season during major events and periods of particularly strong demand.
Such a system could give Monaco additional capacity during events including the Grand Prix, Monaco Yacht Show and other periods when demand for taxis increases sharply, without permanently increasing the number operating throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the Government has now opened the next round of permanent and seasonal taxi authorisations. Applications for the 2027 seasonal licences close on 19th October, meaning the newly revised selection criteria will now be put into practice.
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Photo by Cassandra Tanti