Galway Taxi Drivers Plan Slowdown Protest Against New Uber Regulations During Peak Traffic Hours
Taxi drivers in Galway are preparing for a significant protest against new regulations announced by Uber. This demonstration is scheduled for today, Wednesday, December 3, at 4:30 PM. Around 100 taxi cabs will participate, slowing down their routes across the city to voice their concerns.
Details of the Protest
The protest will also be mirrored in other Irish cities, including Dublin and Limerick. Taxi drivers are particularly opposed to the newly introduced fixed fares and a ‘maximum fare’ policy by Uber, which they argue could threaten their income.
Impact on Drivers
Organizers emphasize that these changes destabilize the Irish taxi industry, claiming that they force fixed fares onto a system that was not designed for such measures. They describe this situation as a direct threat to their livelihoods. The statement from a protest organizer highlights the urgency of the matter: “Save the Irish taxi industry — before it’s too late.”
Understanding Uber’s Fixed Fare System
According to Uber, the new fixed fare system aims to potentially lower ride costs for passengers. Fare calculations will be based on either the fixed amount or the meter rate, whichever is less. However, taxi drivers contest that this strategy could harm their earnings, especially in cases of traffic delays or when alternate routes are necessary.
Key Points of the Protest
- Date: Wednesday, December 3
- Time: 4:30 PM
- Location: Galway, along key taxi routes
- Participating Cities: Dublin, Limerick
- Estimated Participation: Around 100 taxis
As the protest unfolds, taxi drivers seek to draw attention to their struggle and advocate for the survival of the Irish taxi industry amid increasing competition from ride-hailing services like Uber.
