Taxi drivers protest in Batumi over fare policies Photo

Taxi drivers in the Black Sea city of Batumi staged a protest calling for a review of fare policies, citing rising fuel prices and declining earnings.

Protesters said that while operating costs have increased significantly, ride fares have remained unchanged, reducing their overall income. Many drivers noted that a substantial portion of their earnings is spent on vehicle maintenance and payments to companies, with a large number of vehicles reportedly purchased on credit, Caliber.Az reports per Georgian media. 

“We’re told that nothing will change for now. We have to stick together because it’s impossible to work under these conditions. We’ve reached out to the companies, but there’s been no response,” the protesters said, adding that they are not seeking to raise costs for passengers but want a fair adjustment of the pricing system.

The drivers urged taxi service providers to introduce fixed fare structures or revise current payment models to better reflect rising operational expenses.

By Sabina Mammadli