This is the end of the principle of “everyone loads at home” and the return of the vignettes. After long months of discussions between the French and Monegasque authorities and representatives of the taxi, VTC and discount vehicle professions, the Principality is taking a step “in the interest of the customer”.
“The tourist forecasts suggest very good prospects for the coming months. It is necessary to provide customers and visitors to the Principality of Monaco with a service that takes place in good conditions while preserving the interests of our economic players” , announced the government adviser – Minister of Finance and the Economy, Jean Castellini, this Wednesday morning at a press conference.
Remember that since the beginning of the year, for lack of an agreement reached between France and Monaco, French taxis and VTCs could no longer take care of customers on Monegasque territory. Only drop them off and make the return trip empty. And the same was true for Monegasque taxis and large discount vehicles, which are prohibited from charging a customer in France. Everyone at home, therefore.
Change of situation from April 1st. Monaco is reinstating its vignette system and once again authorizing French individual transport professionals to come and work in the Principality.
Device in force for 7 months
In detail, 320 “seasonal” vignettes will be offered to professionals: 300 for VTCs, 20 for taxis at the single price of 600 euros including tax for 7 months. Since this device will remain in force until October 31, the period of tourist activity and the strongest professional congresses.
French applicants for the sticker will have to meet a number of criteria to be eligible. Administrative first, but also qualitative. “We wish to meet the technical characteristics criteria for vehicles with the French quality label called “Voiture de Transport avec Chauffeur – Limousine”, which aligns with the obligations required of vehicles with large discounts registered in the Principality”, informs Jean Castellini.
This label, detailed in the French decree of January 11, 2019, establishes that: “This label attests to the quality of reception and services offered within companies labeled “Transport car with driver for tourist customers”. attribution relate in particular to the quality of the reception, the know-how and the know-how of the driver, his mastery of foreign languages, the quality of the services of the personnel, the comfort and the cleanliness of the vehicle, the quality of the information delivered to tourist customers, quality monitoring and analysis of customer satisfaction.”
“It is a French device”, insisted the government adviser – Minister of Finance and Economy. If it is not yet in force in the Alpes-Maritimes, “it is in other French departments, especially in the Paris region”. “We hope, for the sake of consistency for our customers, that the services offered to them meet the same technical and quality criteria.”
But then, what about Monegasque taxis and discount vehicles? Will they also be able to come and load customers in France and in particular at Nice airport? For the time being, the princely government is still awaiting the green light from the French authorities. “It is necessary that this device be accompanied by reciprocity”, insisted the Minister of State, Pierre Dartout. It is about “common sense”.