The Secretaría de Movilidad de Bogotá is installing QR codes in taxi rear windows to allow passengers to verify the legality of the service [1, 2].
This initiative addresses safety concerns by giving riders a direct way to confirm that both the vehicle and the driver are officially registered. By digitizing the verification process, the city aims to reduce the prevalence of illegal transport and provide a formal channel for reporting incidents.
Passengers can scan the codes using their smartphones to access specific data regarding the driver and the vehicle [1, 2]. Beyond simple verification, the system allows users to rate the quality of the service and report any irregularities or "novedades" encountered during the trip [1, 2].
The rollout has begun in a phased approach, targeting areas with the highest passenger volume. The initial installation focuses on El Dorado International Airport and the El Salitre Transport Terminal [1, 2]. These hubs serve as primary entry and exit points for the city, making them critical locations for ensuring transport security.
City officials said the tool is designed to empower the user through transparency. By placing the code on the rear window, the information remains accessible throughout the journey without requiring the driver to manually provide documentation [1, 2].
The system functions as a digital bridge between the passenger and the Secretaría de Movilidad de Bogotá. This allows the government to collect real-time data on service quality and driver compliance across the city's taxi fleet [1, 2].
“Passengers can scan the codes using their smartphones to access specific data regarding the driver and the vehicle.”
The deployment of QR codes represents a shift toward digital governance in Bogotá's public transport sector. By moving verification from physical permits to a scannable digital interface, the city is leveraging mobile technology to enforce regulation in real-time. This move likely signals a broader strategy to integrate data-driven monitoring into urban mobility to combat the 'pirate' taxi market.
