Taxi Strike Disrupts Transport in Athens for 48 Hours

Athens is currently facing significant disruptions in its transportation network due to a 48-hour strike by taxi drivers. This protest, initiated by around 14,000 taxi operators in the Greek capital, aims to address grievances regarding the perceived advantages that Uber drivers enjoy at the city's airport.

The strike is primarily targeting the taxi policies enforced at the Athens International Airport, which taxi drivers argue favor rideshare services over traditional taxis. During the strike, taxi drivers are planning to conduct slow-moving convoys, effectively blocking major traffic routes, which is expected to exacerbate congestion in the city.

As a result of this strike, tourists are particularly affected, as they must now rely on public transportation to travel between the city center and the airport. Although metro and bus services are operational, the influx of travelers could lead to overcrowding, making the journey less comfortable. Currently, there are an estimated 10,000 German tourists in Athens, many of whom will need to navigate this situation without taxi services.

One of the key points of contention for the taxi drivers is the allocation of designated pickup points for Uber vehicles in the arrivals area of the airport. This arrangement has sparked frustration among taxi drivers, who often have to wait extended periods for new passengers, while Uber drivers can efficiently pick up passengers based on app requests.

Additionally, taxi drivers are expressing concerns over the fixed pricing structure established by the relevant financial authorities for trips between the city center and the airport. The standard fare is set at 40 euros during the day and 55 euros at night for the approximately 38-kilometer journey. Taxi drivers argue that this pricing does not reflect the realities of heavy traffic and the variability in trip lengths, which can lead to financial losses.

As the strike continues, the situation is likely to evolve, with both local residents and visitors closely monitoring developments. The taxi drivers' union has emphasized the need for reforms to ensure fair competition in the transportation sector in Athens, highlighting the ongoing tensions between traditional taxi services and rideshare platforms.