Newsroom
Taxi operators in Cyprus say they are facing a difficult period following a downturn in tourism linked to ongoing instability in the Middle East.
The Pancyprian Federation of Urban Taxis (POAT) estimates that visitor numbers are down by around 30 per cent compared with the same period last year, reducing demand for taxi services across the island. The federation also claims that between 8 and 10 per cent of potential business is being lost to the occupied areas.
According to POAT, drivers are being squeezed by a combination of falling income and rising expenses. Fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, tyre replacement and other day-to-day operating costs have all increased, placing additional pressure on the sector.
The federation says another challenge comes from unlicensed operators. It argues that enforcement activity has become less frequent because staff from the Department of Road Transport are currently assigned to duties connected with Cyprus's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, leaving fewer inspectors available to carry out checks.
POAT warned that if current conditions continue in the months ahead, it will seek government assistance to help safeguard the viability of licensed taxi professionals.
