Traffic paralysis in the center of Vienna due to taxi drivers' protest against Uber
More than 2,000 taxi drivers protested in the streets of Vienna on Wednesday, coming from the Reichsbrücke bridge to Heldenplatz in protest against transport services like Uber, causing significant disruption in the city center before the protest ended as planned.
The spokesperson for the drivers, Omar Kafousah, pointed to the unfair competition, explaining that Uber and large distribution centers can impose additional fees or discounts, while traditional taxi drivers in the ranks cannot do so. He described this as a clear distortion of the market and called for the protection of areas for licensed taxi drivers in Vienna.
Protesters demand that only taxis with Vienna plates operate in the city, as Uber sends drivers from surrounding areas to the capital. They also demand stronger and ethical representation of their interests by the taxi drivers' union.
The organizers confirmed that the protest titled "Stop the Chaos" involves only independent taxi drivers in Vienna without any political affiliations or connections to the Chamber of Commerce. The protest is scheduled to continue with a recurring demonstration on December 9.
The planned truck convoy has been canceled following negotiations with the Ministry of Transport, which previously led to adjustments in road fees. This allowed taxi drivers' protests to take center stage in Vienna, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding transport services and urban policies.