Chile transport app law shrouded in uncertainty

Chile’s transport ministry (MTT) is readying a framework to regulate transport apps, but it remains unclear when the associated law will take effect. 

The law was published in the official gazette on April 19, requiring the ministry to submit a regulatory draft to the comptroller by January 19. Comptroller approval is required for the law to take effect, but the authority has been criticized for excessive evaluation periods. 

This uncertainty is causing problems for transport companies and drivers that use apps, as they must register with a transport department database within six months after the law takes effect. 

“The expectation is, for now, to have the guidelines ready by January 2024. It is difficult to anticipate how much the comptroller will endorse. Sometimes it makes different observations on the same issue, and it takes more or less time,” an MTT source, requesting anonymity, told BNamericas.

The law also requires transport app companies to provide insurance for drivers, vehicles, passengers and other parties, with minimum coverage among the issues that still need to be determined. 

According to the law, vehicles linked to transport apps will be barred from using lanes that are reserved for public transport.