Attica taxi union launches 24-hour strike over bus lane access

The union of Attica taxi drivers, SATA, is launching a 24-hour strike on Tuesday, running from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday.

The union is demanding that occupied taxis be allowed access to bus lanes under the new Road Traffic Code (KOK). Although this right was initially included in the draft version of the new code, newly appointed Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis has suggested that the government is considering excluding taxis from bus lane access.

Striking taxi drivers will stage a rally with their vehicles at the intersection of Spyrou Patsi Street and Athinon Avenue at 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday.

SATA has warned that, if the new regulations prohibit loaded taxis from using bus lanes, drivers who violate the rule will face a €200 fine, a one-month suspension of their driver’s license, and five penalty points on the national points system. Accumulating 25 points within a two-year period could result in license revocation. Violations will be verified through cameras installed on city buses.

“This strike is unavoidable for our sector – and it is a warning strike,” SATA said in a statement.

Kathimerini