WORLDWIDE TAXI FOCUS from Greece
CABBIES STRIKE OVER FARE CUTS TO COMBAT DRUNK DRIVING
A contentious government proposal to reduce taxi fares on weekends in a bid to curb drink driving has ignited a fierce backlash from taxi drivers, culminating in a 48-hour strike from 28-30 May. The plan, championed by
Deputy Minister
Konstantinos Kyranakis, aims to make taxi services more affordable during peak night time hours, encouraging young people to leave their vehicles behind after drinking. “We are thinking, on Friday, Saturday and
Sunday...to find a way to make taxi fares cheaper at night, so those having fun can leave their vehicles and take taxis,” Kyranakis said. However, the initiative has been met with strong opposition from the Attica Taxi Owners’ Union. Thymios Lymberopoulos, a leading voice against the plan, questioned its effectiveness and highlighted the dangers faced by taxi drivers dealing with intoxicated passengers. “We have the right to refuse service to individuals who pose a threat due to alcohol consumption,” Lymberopoulos asserted, labelling the proposal a “mockery, not a solution.” Lymberopoulos expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of consideration for the challenges faced by taxi professionals and has called for direct government dialogue. His discontent has led to the announcement of an impending 48-hour strike by taxi drivers, signalling their firm stance against the fare reduction. Kyranakis defended the proposal as a “proactive step to prevent alcohol-related accidents,” suggesting that increased revenue from digital traffic cameras could potentially fund the fare subsidies. “Of course, we will have to examine the budgetary margins first, as we do not want taxi drivers to lose money and the difference in fares will be covered by the state. So, we have to agree with them as well,” he added. Critics, however, argue that the measure is akin to subsidising other industries during busy periods and question the fairness and efficacy of incentivising taxi use after drinking. They propose stricter enforcement measures, such as increased breathalyser tests and licence suspensions, as a more effective deterrent. The debate comes against a backdrop of alarming statistics from the Athens Traffic Police. In the first
74
half of February alone, one in ten drivers in Athens was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Furthermore, traffic violations in Athens saw a staggering 145 per cent increase in the year leading up to December 22, 2024, with drunk driving being a significant contributor.
from USA
NYC CRACKS DOWN ON “GHOST RIDE” TAXIS AMID SAFETY CONCERNS
New York City is intensifying its efforts to combat the growing prob- lem of illegal taxi drivers offering “ghost rides,” and operating without proper licensing, insurance, or vehicle inspections, putting unsuspecting passengers at risk. The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) is stepping up enforcement after incidents such as a recent traffic stop in Jamaica, Queens, where a driver was found operating a taxi with no driver’s licence, registration, or insurance, offering only an ID card to authorities. Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, Kaz Daughtry, recently witnessed firsthand the dangers TLC officers face during these traffic stops. “These TLC officers are walking up to cars with no weapon, no Taser, just a baton and Mace, and we have to make them better equipped to do their jobs,” Daughtry emphasised, highlighting the risks involved in confronting unlicensed operators. The primary focus of the TLC’s operation is to shield the public from these “ghost rides” where vehicles and drivers have not undergone necessary checks. Lieutenant Walter Colon, a veteran TLC officer since 2013, underscored the importance of protecting passengers, stating that the goal is “all about having his officers’ backs.” During the patrol, TLC officers stopped a young woman just before she entered an illegal vehicle. Throughout the day, officers issued multiple summonses and removed several unsafe cars from the streets. They believe each illegal driver taken off the road can potentially to prevent a serious incident.
JUNE 2025 PHTM
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