Athens and Thessaloniki will be without taxis today, Tuesday, February 3, and tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4, as taxi drivers launch a new 48-hour strike, escalating their confrontation with the government over changes affecting the sector.

The strike was announced by the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA), with the HERMES union participating in Thessaloniki. As part of the protests, taxi drivers are holding a rally on Tuesday morning, followed by a march to the Prime Minister’s office to formally present their demands.

No Dialogue With the Transport Minister

In their statement, taxi drivers make it clear that they reject any discussion with the Minister of Transport, whom they blame for escalating tensions. They argue that under the pretext of promoting electric mobility, the government is changing the minimum rental fee for private hire vehicles with a driver (EIX), reducing it from €90 to €50. According to SATA, this move removes the fundamental distinction between taxi services and EIX services.

Drivers also warn that from January 1, 2027, conditions will change drastically due to legislation requiring all new vehicles in Attica and Thessaloniki to be zero-emission, while maintaining the minimum rental price for electric EIX vehicles at €50.

SATA Criticizes Electric Mobility Plans

SATA describes official claims about electric mobility as unrealistic, stating that Greece’s infrastructure cannot support a professional electric taxi fleet.

According to the union’s data:

• Home charging points number fewer than 10,000
• 50 kW fast chargers total about 1,562
• 150 kW fast chargers, suitable for professional use, number fewer than 10

The union also highlights the lack of charging stations at taxi ranks, unresolved insurance coverage for battery damage, and the high cost of electric vehicles.

Rising Costs and Bus Lane Restrictions

Taxi drivers accuse the Transport Minister of unfairly targeting the sector. They point out that in many European countries, taxis carrying passengers are allowed to use bus lanes, while in Greece, this practice is prohibited by law.

They also reject claims of unjustified fare demands, citing sharp cost increases since 2022:

• Fuel prices up 25–30%
• Taxi insurance costs up 18%
• Maintenance costs up over 30%

“Only the Prime Minister Can Provide a Solution”

SATA states that only the Prime Minister can now resolve the industry’s issues. Beyond electric mobility, drivers highlight ongoing problems that threaten the viability of taxis, including:

• Illegal operations by digital platforms
• Excessive taxation
• Lack of effective enforcement against unauthorized transport services
• Delays in issuing and renewing special taxi licenses

The union calls for mass participation in the protests and says it will no longer tolerate indifference. Taxi drivers apologize to passengers for the inconvenience, stressing that their struggle concerns society as a whole and the preservation of the public character of taxi services.