Greek Taxis Under the Microscope

The Greek tourism ministry said it would intensify inspections of taxis providing illegal transport services.

The ministry said in a statement this week that it would move ahead and establish a permanent inspection body that would be tasked with weeding out taxi drivers offering illegal transport services, which it said are costing the state considerable loss in revenues.

At the same time, the ministry aims to fully enforce an online registry launched in September aimed at listing private transport service providers.

“Services offered by the [taxi] industry is linked to the tourist identity of our country, since the best visitor service is credited to [transport] professionals and is to the benefit of tourism,” said Deputy Tourism Minister Manos Konsolas after attending a Panhellenic Taxi Federation meeting.

Deputy Tourism Minister Manos Konsolas speaking during the Panhellenic Taxi Federation meeting.

The online registry makes it easier for authorities to conduct checks on private car hire services, said Konsolas, reiterating his position that as a tourist service, taxi transport must be supervised.

Konsolas has tabled his proposition with the citizens protection ministry, he said.

The minister went on to add that an upcoming draft bill foresees a reduction in taxation as well as a series of incentives for the replacement of outdated vehicles with sustainable ones, and invited professionals to an “open and equal dialogue”.