In the bustling streets of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, taxi drivers have joined their counterparts in Burgas and Varna in a chorus of demands for a substantial increase in fares.
Gripped by the strain of stagnant tariffs and escalating operational expenses, these drivers are not just voicing discontent but threatening daily protests until their demands are addressed.
The outcry, which originated in Burgas and Varna towards the end of 2023 and the beginning of this week, has now reverberated through the cobbled streets of Plovdiv. Taxi operators here are clamoring for a 15% hike in tariffs to offset the burden of rising costs.
Despite multiple appeals to the municipal authorities, including letters and an official request from the National Association for the Protection of Carriers and Taxi Drivers, the drivers find themselves in a frustrating deadlock.
Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov has yet to respond, leaving the drivers feeling ignored and marginalized. At the crux of the matter lies the unchanged fare rates since 2014, coupled with stringent regulations dictating minimum and maximum tariffs per kilometer.
With fares hovering close to the maximum limit, drivers argue that they are struggling to make ends meet. The Association of Taxi Drivers is spearheading the movement, advocating for a minimum daily fare of 1.30 BGN and a revised night fare of 1.40 BGN.
They assert that these adjustments are imperative to keep pace with inflation and provide fair compensation for their services.
Presently, most taxis in Plovdiv charge 1.09 BGN per kilometer during the day and 1.19 BGN at night.
The proposed fare increase, if implemented, would not only alleviate the financial strain on drivers but also bring their earnings in line with the evolving economic landscape.
Taxi operators remain steadfast in their demand for fare adjustments, emphasizing the need to reflect the realities of the rising cost of living and operational expenses.
The mounting pressure on local authorities underscores the urgency of addressing these concerns. As tensions escalate and the standoff persists, the outcome remains uncertain.
Will the municipality heed the calls of the taxi drivers, or will the deadlock continue to deepen? Only time will tell as Plovdiv braces itself for potential upheaval in its transportation sector.
In the heart of this ancient city, where history intertwines with modernity, the voices of taxi drivers echo with a resounding plea for fairness and recognition of their invaluable contribution to the urban fabric.
As the wheels of change grind slowly, the fate of Plovdiv’s taxi industry hangs in the balance.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members