HELSINKI (Chatnewstv.com) — Finland’s government on Thursday submitted to Parliament a legislative proposal that would allow taxis to operate across the border with Norway, implementing a bilateral agreement signed earlier this year.
The deal, concluded in Oslo on March 13 by Finland’s Transport and Communications Minister Lulu Ranne and her Norwegian counterpart Jon-Ivar Nygård, sets out rules for international taxi services between the two countries. It will take effect once both legislatures complete their national procedures.
“It’s great to share good news with taxi operators and residents in Lapland,” Ranne said. “At the Ministry, we have worked as swiftly as possible to resolve the problems in cross-border taxi services between Finland and Norway, and now we are reaching the finish line. Our plan is to have the agreement enter into force by Christmas.”
The agreement will permit taxi companies registered in Finland or Norway to carry passengers between the two countries, provided the rides are booked in advance. Operators may also pick up passengers in the neighboring state and return them home, or transit through to a third country without taking new passengers en route.
Officials said the arrangement will clarify the rights and duties of service providers, improve supervision, and deepen cooperation between the Finnish and Norwegian transport sectors.
Parliament will open debate on the proposal in plenary before referring it to committee. If approved, the act would enter into force on a date set later by government decree.
