from Greece
WORLDWIDE TAXI FOCUS from South Africa
FRESH STRIKES BY GREEK CABBIES AS DISPUTE OVER REFORMS ESCALATES
Commuters and travellers in Greece’s major hubs faced significant transport disruptions last month as taxi drivers launched a new wave of strike action protesting a controversial government bill. Following a three-day walkout the previous week, the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA) initiated a new 48- hour strike on January 20 and 21. Drivers in Thessaloniki joined the fray with a 24-hour stoppage starting Wednesday at 5am, paralysing taxi services in the country’s two largest cities. The dispute centres on a series of transport reforms, including a mandate for electric vehicles and new tax policies. In a strongly worded statement, the union accused the Transport Ministry of refusing dialogue and “imposing policies without consultation.” Union leaders have described the strikes as a necessary “road of resistance” against what they see as the “steady erosion of their profession and rushed lawmaking that ignores their concerns.” Taxi operators are pushing back against several government measures, calling for: l A gradual shift to EVs rather than a “forced transition.” l A clear regulatory framework to distinguish traditional taxis from private hire cars.
l Curbing “unfair competition from multinational transport platforms.”
l Permanent access to dedicated bus lanes for taxis carrying passengers.
l The abolition of “presumptive taxation” practices they consider excessive. In Athens, striking drivers gathered for a mass briefing at the Peristeri Exhibition Centre on Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, in Thessaloniki, the city’s taxi association took a unanimous decision to strike, planning a vehicle convoy
to the airport and regional
government offices to draw attention to their plight. Union representatives warned that the industry “will not remain silent,” signalling that further protests could follow if the government fails to offer concrete changes.
PHTM FEBRUARY 2026
UNLICENSED DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER CRASH CLAIMS 12 YOUNG LIVES
A community in Gauteng is mourn- ing the loss of 12 learners following a catastrophic collision on Monday morning, 19 January, that has exposed a “serious failure” in school transport safety. The tragedy occurred on the R553 when a minibus taxi, ferrying children to school, collided with a side tipper truck. While the investigation is ongoing, the Gauteng Department of Transport has revealed a damning preliminary finding: the driver behind the wheel did not hold a valid licence to operate the vehicle. The scene on Monday was one of utter devastation. Police have since confirmed that “twelve learners died at the scene of the crash.” As families begin the agonising process of preparing for funerals, emergency workers and chaplains have been deployed to assist parents with the harrowing task of identifying their children. Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Lesiba Mpya noted that while the findings are preliminary, the taxi itself may not have been properly registered to transport students. “Police investigations are ongoing and final details will be shared once everything is confirmed,” Mpya stated. The driver of the minibus taxi was arrested on Tuesday immediately following his discharge from the hospital. According to Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the driver is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court. He faces a staggering legal battle, including “twelve counts of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving.” While five learners were initially hospitalised, medical staff confirmed some children have already been discharged to their families. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has reacted with outrage, stating that this tragedy highlights systemic issues within the industry. The organisation is now calling for “stricter checks and stronger enforcement to protect children travelling to school” to ensure that such a preventable disaster never happens again.
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