Riga taxi drivers protest Bolt policies, causing traffic disruption PHOTO

Several hundred taxi drivers staged a protest in the Latvian capital Riga on Monday against the policies of ride-hailing platform Bolt, prompting significant traffic restrictions across the city.

Drivers attached Latvian flags and placards to their vehicles bearing slogans such as “We are not slaves”, “24 hours without Bolt”, “You cannot do without us”, and “Stop milking us”, Caliber.Az reports via Latvian media.

Some cars also displayed a crossed-out Bolt logo.

Similar demonstrations were also held in the cities of Daugavpils and Jelgava.

The protest began on Zakusala Island at 0800 local time, followed by a convoy through Riga from 0900 to 1100, escorted by police. The route included major city arteries such as the Island Bridge, Krasta Street, and central thoroughfares, ending near Bolt’s operations office on Mukusalas Street.

City authorities warned of substantial delays in central Riga and Pārdaugava, urging motorists to plan alternative routes. Public transport services along the route were also subject to temporary disruption.

Organisers said the action was coordinated by several taxi industry associations and unions, arguing that Bolt’s market position had led to unfair pricing practices and distorted competition.

They accused the platform of allowing “arbitrary pricing coefficients” that can significantly alter fares for identical routes, and called for stricter regulation of commissions, including a previously proposed 15% cap that has yet to be implemented.

The groups also demanded a standardised tariff system to ensure greater price transparency for passengers, as well as stronger oversight of digital platform operations.

They said current fuel costs and tax conditions were further straining the sector, while government measures had failed to provide meaningful relief.

Organisers invited representatives from the Transport Ministry, Finance Ministry, Economy Ministry, Welfare Ministry, the Competition Council, anti-corruption authorities, and Bolt Operations for discussions on the sector’s concerns.

They also urged restaurants and food service businesses to show solidarity by not accepting orders via Bolt platforms during the protest, citing similar concerns over commission fees and market distortions in the delivery sector.

By Aghakazim Guliyev