Taxi drivers stage strike in Nicosia over ‘pirate taxis’ and rising costs

Taxi drivers staged protests in Nicosia on Tuesday morning, before driving in convoy to key government buildings to demand action over what they describe as illegal competition and worsening conditions in the sector.

Drivers assembled at the GSP Stadium before moving towards the transport ministry, parliament and onwards to the Presidential palace.

The mobilisation was organised by the taxi drivers union, which had issued an ultimatum to authorities last week demanding written responses and legislative proposals to address grievances within three working days.

Drivers warned that failure to respond would lead to “dynamic and sustained” strike action and said authorities would bear responsibility for any disruption caused to transport, tourism and the wider economy.

“Our tolerance, patience and good faith have run out,” professional drivers said in a letter sent to several state bodies.

The central complaint concerns the activity of private vehicles operating as unlicensed “pirate” taxis, which drivers say are taking passengers without permits and soliciting fares in squares, ports, airports and other public areas.

They also raised concerns about the operation of certain transport applications, arguing that some platforms undermine the legal status of licensed urban taxis and create unfair competition.

Drivers further criticised what they described as weak enforcement of existing regulations and called for stronger inspections and greater powers for supervisors at the road transport department.

Rising operating costs were also highlighted as a major pressure on the sector.

“The sector has been brought to its knees by unbearable operating costs, due to the pirates who have taken a large percentage of the pie that is ours,” the drivers said.

In addition, they raised issues concerning infrastructure at taxi ranks, particularly at airports, including what they described as the lack of basic facilities such as rubbish bins, recycling points and access to toilets.

“The lack of basic infrastructure… is unthinkable and offensive. We immediately demand humane working conditions and basic respect,” they said.

Drivers are also calling for better organisation of taxi parking areas at Larnaca  and Paphos airport, as well as permission to use bus lanes at departure areas to improve passenger service.

The protests follow warnings earlier this week that taxi drivers could escalate to broader strike action if the government fails to address the sector’s concerns.