Kabul Introduces First Official App-Based Taxi Service

DID Press: Afghanistan’s transport authorities have announced the launch of the country’s first officially licensed ride-hailing service, marking a new step toward digital urban transport services in the capital.

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation of Afghanistan said the company, named “Afghan Taxi Online,” has received formal approval and begun operations in Kabul.

According to the ministry, the new service operates through a mobile application, allowing users to request transportation digitally. Officials described the move as part of efforts to modernize urban services and encourage private sector investment in the country.

This is the first time a ride-hailing platform has been officially licensed to operate in Afghanistan, a development seen as a potential milestone for introducing smart transport systems in urban areas.

However, experts caution that infrastructure challenges—such as the absence of a standardized addressing system, limited street signage, and incomplete mapping of roads—could pose significant operational difficulties for app-based transport services in Kabul and other cities.

Despite these challenges, the launch is being viewed as an early step toward integrating digital technology into Afghanistan’s transportation sector and gradually transforming urban mobility services.