NEW TAXI FARES COME INTO EFFECT IN BANJA LUKA

A new minimum fare for taxi rides has been in effect in Banja Luka since October 6, 2026, meaning passengers must now pay at least 7 BAM per ride, even if the taximeter shows a lower amount.

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Under the new rule, passengers will pay the same minimum fare for even the shortest journeys. For example, if the taximeter shows 5 BAM, the passenger will still be required to pay 7 BAM.

Taxi drivers say the decision was prompted by rising fuel prices, higher operating costs and the declining profitability of short-distance journeys.

RISING COSTS PUT PRESSURE ON TAXI DRIVERS

Dragan Purišić, president of the Banja Luka Taxi Drivers' Association, told the news outlet Provjereno.info that the cost of taxi services had not been increased since February, despite the rise in fuel prices.

“There is not much to explain about this decision. Anyone who understands even a little about economics can see why it was necessary. Everything is making our business more difficult. Taxi drivers can no longer make ends meet,” Purišić said.

He added that the decision had been made six days earlier, explaining that short trips had become economically unviable under current traffic conditions and fuel prices if charged at less than 7 BAM.

EVEN THE SHORTEST JOURNEYS NOW COST 7 BAM

According to Purišić, journeys such as those between Hotel Bosna and Hotel Palas, or short trips between cafés in the Starčevica neighbourhood, illustrate the problem facing taxi drivers.

Traffic congestion and rising fuel costs, he said, make it increasingly difficult to cover expenses when fares are too low.

“With this level of congestion and these fuel prices, a ride costing less than 7 BAM is simply not viable. Just look at repair shops, bakeries, spare-parts suppliers and retailers — their prices keep going up. Whether someone wants to travel 500 metres or not, we need some room to breathe,” Purišić said.

The new minimum fare marks a change for passengers using taxis in Banja Luka, particularly those who rely on short rides around the city.