Taxi Chamber objects to fare hike: We will apply to IMM on Monday

At the meeting held on July 25 at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME), a 13 percent hike was applied to public transportation in Istanbul. Taximeter fare tariffs were also increased by various rates, with an average of 16.55 percent. Accordingly, the taximeter opening fee was increased from 24.55 TL to 30 TL, the distance fee per km from 17.61 TL to 20 TL, the time tariff fee from 195.63 TL to 235 TL per hour, and the short-distance (drop-off) fee from 90 TL to 100 TL.

Istanbul Taxi Drivers Tradesmen Chamber President Eyüp Aksu, who followed the meeting, had reacted to the decision. Aksu announced that they would apply to the IMM on Monday to have the hike revised.

'WE WILL HOLD ANOTHER MEETING IN THE FACE OF THIS INJUSTICE'

Speaking to DHA, Eyüp Aksu said, "Unfortunately, we are not satisfied. At the UKOME meeting, a 13 percent hike was applied to public transportation services, while an average of 16.55 percent was applied to taximeter fares. We were truly astonished. The UKOME committee ignored the tradesmen and made a hike as if mocking us. Now, while the expenses of our taxi tradesmen have increased by 70 percent, we will hold another meeting with our tradesmen in the face of this perceived injustice."

'TAXIMETER FARE TARIFF IS VERY CHEAP'

Aksu stated, "We will request another hike from the IMM for half of the rate we deserve. Our citizens also know very well that Istanbul has the cheapest taximeter in the world. We will reiterate our request regarding the matter. The taximeter fare tariff in Istanbul is far behind and cheaper than public transportation," he said.

Aksu added, "We had requested a hike of at least 30 percent from the IMM Public Transportation Services Directorate. Compared to 81 provinces, the cheapest taximeter fares are in Istanbul."

Explaining his reaction at the meeting, Aksu said, "I did not use an expression like 'we might shut down our engines'; the expression I used in the commission was: 'I told the commission, do not encourage us to shut down our engines by giving such a funny, such a small hike.' We will not shut down our engines; we will make our request for a tariff change to the authorized institutions again on Monday."

News Source: 12punto