YEREVAN. - Armenian government lifted restrictions on the age limit of taxis: in 2009 the maximum age was set at 10 years. The then decision provoked a wave of protests – mostly on behalf of single taxi drivers who could not afford purchasing new vehicles.

The decision triggered the negative reaction of opposition of the parliament as well. They stated that the sole goal of the ban is to support large taxi services and crowd out private entrepreneurs.

As the two years of experience showed, despite the decision the old cars are still used as taxis in the regions. According to the Ministry of Transportation, there is a significant number of vehicles in good condition but over the age limit.

By the Government’s decision these vehicles again received permission to carry passengersafter relevant inspection.