If you are planning to commute or travel across Greece this week, you may need to find an alternative way to get around. Taxi drivers across the country have officially “pulled the handbrake,” launching a series of 24-hour strikes starting today, Tuesday, March 17.
The Strike Schedule: Athens and Beyond
While the strike is nationwide, the impact will be felt most heavily in the capital. According to the SATA (Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union), taxis in Athens will be off the roads from Tuesday, March 17, until Friday, March 20.
Other major regions are also participating:
* Heraklion, Crete: Local taxi owners have called for a “universal uprising,” joining the strike to protest new legislative changes.
* Nationwide: Drivers in various cities are expected to hold rallies and marches, particularly in city centers.
Why are Taxi Drivers Striking?
The core of the protest lies in the government’s new bill regarding electromobility (electric vehicles). Professional drivers are reacting to specific provisions that they believe threaten their livelihood.
The drivers’ main demands include:
* Extension of Deadlines: Drivers are asking for the transition measures proposed by the Ministry to be extended until 2035.
* Opposition to Private Competition: There is significant pushback against allowing private passenger vehicles and vans to perform urban transport services, which taxi drivers argue creates unfair competition.
Potential Disruptions at Airports and Ports
Commuters should be aware that the strike may extend beyond city streets. Drivers have signaled the possibility of additional protests and marches targeting airports, ports, and major highways.
For those arriving at Athens International Airport or the Port of Piraeus over the next few days, it is highly recommended to use the Metro, Suburban Railway (Proastiakos), or bus services, as taxi ranks are expected to be empty.
How to Navigate the Strike
1. Use Public Transit: The Metro and buses remain the most reliable way to navigate Athens during the strike.
2. Plan Ahead: Expect higher-than-usual demand for public transport and potential traffic congestion near central rally points, such as the Greek Parliament.
3. Stay Updated: Follow local news for updates on whether the strike will be extended or if additional roadblocks are planned.
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