Taxi drivers in Istanbul demand a second fare increase!

The Istanbul Taxi Drivers' Chamber of Tradesmen requested an increase in taxi meter fees due to the economic developments in recent years, the increase in fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, spare parts, insurance and labor costs.

The Chamber of Taxi Drivers said in a statement, "The fact that the tariffs applied in Istanbul, a city with the highest economic and population density, lag behind those in other provinces negatively impacts the competitiveness and service quality of tradespeople. Considering Istanbul's cost of living and traffic congestion, it is clear that this imbalance is even more pronounced."

35% demand

Taxi drivers are demanding a 35 percent increase in their fares due to economic difficulties.

It was announced that the raise proposal would be presented at the first UKOME meeting.

182.25 TL TO GET ON AND OFF

In Istanbul, the starting price for yellow taxis is 42 lira, the price per kilometer is 28 lira, and the hop-on/hop-off fee is 135 lira. A 35 percent increase would see the starting price rise to 56.7 lira, the price per kilometer to 37.8 lira, and the hop-on/hop-off fee to 182.25 lira.

In other words, opening the taxi door will cost 200 lira.

TAXIMETERS SETTINGS

If the proposed price hike is approved, taxi drivers will begin forming long lines to have their meters adjusted. The meter adjustment fee, which was around 2,000 lira in January, is expected to rise to 3,000 lira.

Minimum wage workers and private sector employees, condemned to starvation, received no raise in July. Taxi drivers, struggling to make ends meet on their dwindling salaries despite inflation, requested another raise mid-year.

Source: News Center