Taxi Drivers in Northern Cyprus Threaten Strike

Following the recent complaints from bus drivers, taxi drivers in Northern Cyprus have raised their own concerns about the mounting challenges in the transportation sector. Murat Karalar, President of the Turkish Cypriot Taxi Drivers Association, announced that the union is prepared to take action if the government fails to address the issues faced by taxi operators.

Karalar pointed out that taxi drivers are struggling to cope with rising costs, including increases in the minimum wage, living expenses, navigation and technical fees, and vehicle operation permits. Moreover, taxi fares in the country have not been adjusted for over a year, despite inflation and the depreciation of the local currency.

In a written statement, Karalar emphasized that the union has consistently highlighted these issues during meetings with the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation. However, no response or solutions have been forthcoming from the ministry.

"We are at a breaking point. We can no longer breathe; we are sinking," Karalar said. He warned that if the government continues to ignore their concerns, the taxi sector will be forced to take decisive measures.

Earlier, Fuat Topaloğlu, President of the Public Transport Operators Association (KAR-İŞ), voiced similar complaints regarding the public transportation sector. The union threatened to suspend all bus services unless immediate government action is taken.