Taxi drivers warn of indefinite strike over unlicensed competition and infrastructure concerns

Nicosia, Cyprus. Urban taxi drivers warned on Monday they would start an indefinite strike on Tuesday unless authorities immediately address issues they say are leading to the sector’s “total destruction”.

Letter to authorities and deadline

In a letter dated March 4, drivers said their “tolerance, patience and good faith have been exhausted”. The letter was sent to the ministers of transport and justice, parliament, the police, the road transport department and the licencing authority.

Drivers said these bodies would be responsible for any inconvenience or impact on transport, tourism and the economy resulting from a possible strike. They said they had given authorities a four-day deadline to submit written responses outlining proposed solutions.

Complaints about unlicensed operations

Drivers said their main complaint was the activity of private vehicles operating as “pirate” taxis without a professional licence, as well as “luring” passengers at key urban points, ports and airports. They said these practices violated the status of urban taxis and created unfair competition.

The letter also referred to various websites advertising taxi services without a licence.

Costs and airport taxi areas

Drivers said the sector has buckled under “unbearable operational costs”, adding that unlicensed operators had taken a large share of their business.

They also said added competition had caused problems at designated taxi areas at the airports in Larnaca and Paphos, and requested access to bus lanes at departures to enable faster drop-offs.

Infrastructure at taxi pools

Referring to taxi pools, drivers said they lacked essential infrastructure, calling the situation “unthinkable and insulting”. They said needed amenities included rubbish bins, recycling bins and toilets.

How do you think authorities should address complaints about unlicensed taxi services and facilities at taxi ranks?