The Taliban Traffic Department has announced that taxi vehicles still bearing yellow colors without transitioning to turquoise and white are not permitted to operate.
The department issued a warning on Thursday, July 18th, stating that even privately-owned vehicles conducting passenger transport will face “legal consequences.”
Taliban authorities, in the month of May 2023, declared their intention to change the city taxi colors from yellow to turquoise.
The Taliban Traffic Department stated at the time that the color change would cost each taxi owner approximately 9,110 Afghanis.
Some taxi drivers protested after the Taliban decided to change the vehicle colors. These drivers cited financial constraints as reasons for their objection, arguing that they cannot afford the cost of color change.
They claimed that the Taliban’s decision to change taxi colors was aimed at extracting money from drivers.
Taliban officials, however, claim that they have decided to change taxi colors to improve security, reduce crimes, and beautify the city.
During the previous government in Afghanistan, city taxis operated with yellow and white colors, and some vehicles with private plates were engaged in passenger transport within cities.
The Taliban’s move to change taxi colors reflects their efforts to assert control over urban aesthetics and security measures, despite facing resistance from financially constrained taxi drivers.
The Taliban Public Traffic Department has warned that if personal vehicles or taxis with yellow color are seen in public transportation from now on, their drivers will face legal action.
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