New ride-hailing rules force live data sharing and facial ID checks every three hours

All cab hailing apps operating in Malta must now integrate directly into Transport Malta's systems, under new regulations announced by Minister for Sustainable Mobility Chris Bonett.

The obligation goes beyond simple data sharing. Apps must provide live data to the transport authority and use facial recognition to confirm that the driver who accepts a ride is the same person behind the wheel.

That facial check must happen at least once every three hours. The rules also enforce a 12-hour driving limit within any 24-hour period, a measure announced earlier this month.

For self-employed drivers with four or fewer vehicles, the regulations grant the right to confirm both the price and the destination before accepting a job.

A new pay-per-use principle will also apply. The Minister explained that apps will pay a tariff based on the number of trips completed through their platforms.

The changes represent a major shift in how ride-hailing platforms operate in Malta. Companies such as Bolt, Uber, and eCabs now face additional compliance costs, including the technical integration with Transport Malta systems and the implementation of facial recognition technology.

The 12-hour driving cap may also affect driver availability, particularly during peak periods. The pay-per-use tariff introduces a variable cost that could alter pricing models and margins for operators.

Self-employed drivers gain more control over their fares, which may reshape the relationship between platforms and their driver networks.

The regulations are now in effect, placing the burden of real-time monitoring on the apps themselves rather than solely on drivers or passengers.