Taxi Profession Liberalization Approved By Greek Parliament

Following months of internal conflicts among government members in regards to the terms to “open” the Greek taxi sector, the Greek Parliament approved legislation recently that is said to open the sector to competition.

The opening of the “closed” taxi industry was part of a reforms package promised to international creditors.

The new legislation will pave the way for new licenses to be issued for “special lease vehicles” (mini vans) in Attica, Thessaloniki, Heraklio, Patras and Larissa.

Through amendments to the bill, licenses are to be issued for vehicles seating six to nine passengers, but existing taxi owners have priority to obtain these licenses.

The amendments also provide the opportunity for a vehicle to be hired with a driver from both government organizations and individuals.

According to reports, the legislation allows for an increase in the number of taxis operating in the country and the provision of limousine services to help better cater to the country’s vital tourism sector.