The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry on Wednesday permitted 10 taxi operators in Tokyo to revise their terms of service so drivers can reject passengers who refuse to wear masks in cabs.
The decision came in the wake of requests filed by the operators to revise their terms of service and introduce a precautionary measure to prevent drivers and other passengers from contracting COVID-19.
The move could spur other taxi companies across the nation to adopt similar measures.
Under the Road Transportation Law, taxi drivers in principle are not allowed to refuse passengers. However, a ministry ordinance stipulates that cabdrivers can reject the boarding of "those who are likely to disturb other passengers" because they are drunk or unkempt, for example. The ministry concluded that passengers refusing to wear masks constitute a "possible nuisance." Exceptions can be made for people with respiratory ailments or for other good reasons.
Taxi companies are required to draw up the conditions of carriage, or their terms of service, which need ministry approval. The 10 operators were allowed to change those terms so drivers can reject or eject passengers refusing to wear face masks without a good reason.
As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues, taxi drivers are reportedly increasingly anxious because some drunk passengers speak loudly without wearing masks, which can spread infections.
About 20% of passengers did not wear masks according to a poll conducted in September by Hinomaru Kotsu Co., one of the 10 operators.
No trouble has been reported, but "we made this decision taking into account the risk of infection to drivers and other passengers who may enter the vehicle," a Hinomaru official said, explaining the reason for changing their terms of service.
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