WORLDWIDE TAXI FOCUS from Hungary


TAXI DRIVERS HOLD MAJOR DEMONSTRATION IN BUDAPEST


Cabbies demon- strated for more favorable taxation, greener and safer traffic conditions, job opportunities, and “an opportunity to make an honest living” in Budapest on 15 January. Participants gathered at Heroes’ Square with their vehicles in the afternoon, and drove to various government ministries and the Budapest public transport company BKK. The demonstration lasted until the evening, the Organisation for Taxi Drivers’ Interests said. Protesters have called for raising the tax-free bracket for SMEs, a cap on cabbie numbers, a review of traffic safety regulations, and talks on the work safety conditions for drivers. Should their demands not be met, they threatened to repeat the protest.


from USA


NYC TRAFFIC PLUNGES AFTER CONGESTION PRICING TAKES EFFECT


Traffic in Manhattan’s CBD experienced a significant drop following the first congestion pricing fee in the US which took effect on 5 January. According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), traffic fell by 7.5%, with 273,000 less cars entering the area. The $9 toll, designed to alleviate gridlock and fund critical subway and bus upgrades, has already shown early signs of success. “The early data shows traffic is down, the streets feel safer and buses are moving faster,” declared MTA Chairman Janno Lieber. Travel times on inbound river crossings, notorious for their congestion, have improved by 30-40%. Passenger vehicles face a $9 (£7) charge during peak hours south of 60th Street, while trucks and buses pay up to $21.60 (£17.75).


PHTM FEBRUARY 2025


The programme’s implementation was a race against time, as the incoming Trump administration had vowed to block it so the MTA swiftly enacted the fee before Trump’s inauguration. Electronic licence plate readers automatically charge private cars once per day, regardless of the number of trips. Taxis pay 75 cents (63p) per trip, and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft pay $1.50 (£1.23). The MTA estimates that the programme will ultimately reduce daily car traffic by 11%, or 80,000 vehicles. Before the fee, over 700,000 vehicles entered the Manhattan CBD daily, leading to average speeds of around 7 mph – a 23% decline since 2010. The city projects the congestion charge will generate $500 million in its first year, a crucial step towards modernising the city’s ailing public transport system.


from China


CABBIE DRAGS PASSENGER AND DUMPS HER ON ROAD AFTER ARGUMENT


A taxi driver has been arrested for abandoning a 19- year-old woman passenger on an motorway after an argument over route changes and timing. The incident, which occurred on December 30, went viral in China after the passenger shared a video showing the driver dragging her out of the vehicle. “Get out of my car!” the driver shouted while the woman replied: “But this is an expressway.” The dispute began when the woman booked a ride to Tianjin Binhai International Airport. The 43-year-old driver, Li, waited 20 minutes for her to arrive at the pickup point during which she assured him she was not worried about missing her flight as she could change her ticket. Li then informed her that he needed to pick up another passenger and offered a fare reduction, which she accepted. However, tensions rose when Li announced he needed to exit the expressway briefly to collect items from a relative. When the woman objected, concerned it would cause delays, an already frustrated Li verbally abused her and forced her out of the vehicle. She suffered ankle injuries from being pulled out of the car and had to hitchhike off the expressway. She later filed complaints with the police and the taxi company, Dida, which has permanently banned Li’s account.


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