Taxi strike paralyses Budapest today: Protest routes and key demands revealed
The streets of Budapest are bracing for disruption as taxi drivers plan a large-scale strike on 15 January. Organised by the Taxis’ Interest Group, the demonstration aims to bring attention to a range of pressing issues, from fair taxation to safer transportation in the capital.
The route and schedule
As we reported on Tuesday, the protest will begin at Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) at 1:30 PM. However, this is just the starting point, Világgazdaság writes. Striking taxi drivers plan to traverse key locations across the city, including:
- The Ministry of Construction and Transport
- City Hall (Városháza)
- The Ministry of National Economy
- The Ministry of Finance
- Budapest Transport Center (BKK)
Their goal is to highlight grievances at each stop, ensuring their voices are heard by the relevant authorities. Adding to the disruption, the year’s first snowfall earlier in the day is likely to exacerbate traffic chaos.
Key demands of the protesters
The advocacy organisation has laid out a series of demands aimed at improving the working conditions for taxi drivers while fostering a safer and more sustainable urban transport system:
- Raising the VAT exemption threshold
The group calls for the tax exemption limit to be increased and regularly adjusted to reflect current economic conditions. - Rejecting inflation-based taxation
They argue against policies that tie taxation to inflation, claiming it unfairly burdens businesses and the general population alike. - Introducing taxi licencing limits in Budapest
While other major Hungarian cities have implemented such limits, the capital has yet to follow suit. - Overhauling the tax system
Taxi drivers are pushing for comprehensive tax reforms and have submitted detailed proposals for consideration. - Addressing safety concerns
The organisation stresses the need to reassess safety measures, both for general traffic and for issues specific to taxi drivers.
A call for change
The Taxis’ Interest Group is demanding reforms that ensure livable incomes, better job opportunities, and a greener, safer transportation system. Organisers believe these changes are crucial to improving the quality of life for both taxi drivers and the wider population. With routes spanning key government and transport offices, the protest is expected to bring significant traffic disruptions to Budapest. Residents and commuters are advised to plan accordingly, especially as wintry conditions further complicate mobility.
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OBSERVATION, that there are that many taxis and taxi drivers, they literally are “driving” over each other looking for, seeking work.
Numbers application for taxi drivers licenses continue to be lodged and with Uber and “other” forms of people vehicle transportation, other than Public Transport, question of sustainability of numbers, ability to obtain an income for a LIFE, may need serious examination.
I note that they’re not seeking an increase to their fares. These are already too high for most Hungarians to afford. A driver recently told me that he’d only driven tourists and expats that day and this was at 11pm.