Serious taxi fare hikes could be coming in Budapest: Organisations negotiate with city council

taxi demonstration protest budapest
Photo: depositphotos.com

Taxi organisations in Budapest have entered into negotiations with city officials regarding a potential fare increase. The discussions, which took place on Thursday afternoon, revealed differing opinions on the extent of the proposed price hike.

Proposed fare increases

The Budapest Taxi Association, which did not attend the meeting but submitted their proposal in writing, is advocating for a 27% increase in taxi fares, 24.hu reports. According to Norbert Váczi, co-president of the association, this would result in the following changes:

  • Base fare: from HUF 1,100 to 1,400 (EUR 2.75 to 3.5)
  • Per kilometer rate: from HUF 440 to 560 (EUR 1.1 to 1.4)
  • Per minute rate: from HUF 110 to 140 (EUR 0.28 to 0.35)

Váczi argued that the average inflation rate over recent years justifies their request for a tariff increase.

Other organisations’ positions

The Taxi Drivers’ Interest Protection Organisation (TÉSZ) and the National Taxi Association were present at the meeting. While the National Taxi Association is pushing for a smaller increase, TÉSZ is advocating for a larger one, similar to the 27% proposal put forward by the Budapest Taxi Association.

Background

This negotiation follows a demonstration in January where nearly 200 taxis participated in a protest in Budapest. The demonstration, organised by TÉSZ, aimed to demand an immediate increase in the tax-exempt threshold for taxi drivers. It’s worth noting that the National Taxi Association’s president clarified they were not involved in this event.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

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