The Bali Provincial Transportation Agency has moved quickly to clarify reports about the addition of thousands of electric taxis on the island, aiming to ease public concerns.
On Monday, the agency’s head, I Kadek Mudarta, explained that the initiative is part of Bali’s 2022–2026 Regional Action Plan to accelerate the use of battery-powered vehicles.
The program follows Governor Regulation No. 48 of 2019 and is intended to prepare infrastructure for the transition from fossil fuel to electric vehicles.
Mudarta emphasized that the electrification of taxi fleets will be carried out gradually, replacing fuel-powered taxis based on vehicle age and the business strategies of taxi companies and cooperatives.
“Referring to the Letter of the Bali Provincial Transportation Agency Number: B.16.000/2162/AKT.JALAN/DISHUB concerning the affirmation of electric vehicle usage for taxis, we are encouraging that all taxi fleet renewals operating within the Bali Province must use battery-based electric motor vehicles starting from January 1, 2026,” Mudarta said on Tuesday, February 24.
No Additional Quotas
Mudarta also noted that taxi operators have already begun transitioning to electric vehicles, marking a significant step toward building an environmentally friendly public transport ecosystem.
Mudarta also addressed rumors circulating on social media that Bali would add between 3,000 and 10,000 new electric taxis. He clarified that the official taxi quota remains at 3,500 units, a figure set in a 2015 study, and that no additional quotas have been issued since.
“Any new business entity interested in operating taxi transportation services is encouraged to collaborate with taxi transportation companies that are already operating and hold official permits, in accordance with the quota, while also empowering local Balinese resources and workforce,” he added.
The agency stressed that it will continue to oversee taxi operations to ensure they remain orderly, measurable, and aligned with the interests of the Balinese people.
Sources: BeritaSatu, BisnisBali
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