Eyüp Aksu demands taxi fare hike: 'Minimum short-distance fare should be...'

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME) Meeting is scheduled to be held on January 8. Ahead of the meeting, where requests and proposals for transportation fare hikes in Istanbul are expected to be discussed, Istanbul Taxi Drivers Chamber of Tradesmen (İTEO) President Eyüp Aksu made statements regarding the expectations of taxi and shared taxi (dolmuş) drivers for a price increase.

Stating that the expenses of taxi drivers have increased, Aksu expressed that a 65 percent fare hike request has been submitted to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Department of Transportation.

"DEMANDED A 65 PERCENT HIKE"

Aksu stated, "Firstly, the annual inflation is around 65 percent, the annual revaluation rate is 65 percent, and the minimum wage was increased by 49 percent. Most importantly, there have been increases of over 100 percent in the fixed costs of our vehicles, such as parts, labor, and fuel, which are our constant expenses. We have requested a hike of at least 65 percent so that we can continue this profession and offer comfortable and safe travel to the people of Istanbul and our tourists. Of course, we also think about our citizens; we need to increase quality. For that, we need to receive a hike of at least 65 percent."

THEY ALSO DEMANDED A HIKE FOR SHORT-DISTANCE FARES

Aksu also said the following:

"The short-distance fare should be at least 120 liras. It is currently 70 liras; if it becomes 120 liras, it would be very good for us. We truly cannot cover the costs with current prices; there have been hikes of over 100 percent in vehicle prices, labor, and spare parts. We are also consumers; we consume food in our homes, we have expenses. There have been hikes of over 100 percent in all our expenses, and thinking of our citizens, we are requesting a hike of at least 65 percent, leaving some margin. This is a vital necessity for us; we are demanding that a hike be made out of necessity." 

News Source: 12punto