Professional urban taxi drivers in Cyprus have launched a strike from 7 a.m. today, protesting longstanding industry problems that they say are driving them to ruin.
Drivers gathered early at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia before proceeding to the Ministry of Transport, Parliament, and the Presidential Palace.
Ultimatum to authorities
In a letter sent on 4 March 2026, the Pan-Cyprian Coordinating Committee of Urban Taxi Drivers issued a three-day ultimatum to government officials to provide written responses and legislative proposals addressing their concerns. The drivers warned that failure to respond would lead to “dynamic and sustained” strikes, holding officials responsible for any disruption to transport, tourism, and the economy.
Recipients of the letter included the Ministers of Transport and Justice, the President of the Parliamentary Transport Committee, the Chair of the Licensing Authority, the Director of the Road Transport Department, and the Cyprus Police Chief.
Core grievances
The drivers’ main complaint is the illegal operation of unlicensed vehicles acting as “pirate taxis” and soliciting passengers in public areas, ports, and airports. They also criticised ride-hailing apps for breaching licensing rules, creating unfair competition.
Additionally, they highlighted misleading websites advertising unlicensed taxi services and called for stricter law enforcement, increased inspections, and expanded powers for Road Transport Department inspectors.
Operational and cost issues
Drivers emphasised the high operating costs caused by illegal competitors taking a large share of the market. They also pointed to inadequate infrastructure at taxi stands in airports and other locations, demanding more designated pickup areas and access to bus lanes for safer and faster service.
Concerns were also raised over basic working conditions, including the lack of bins, recycling facilities, and access to toilets, which the drivers described as “unacceptable and degrading.”
Legal and regulatory concerns
The drivers questioned delays in inspections, unequal enforcement of transport regulations, lack of investigation into criminal violations, and the abolition of the law on taxi bases. They called for immediate application of the law, elimination of unfair competition, and protection of professional drivers.
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