The executive board of the Tunisian Union of Individual Taxi Drivers is set to meet next Saturday to deliberate on potential “escalation” measures, including organizing a demonstration or launching an open-ended general strike, according to the union’s president, Mohamed Ali Al-Arfawi.
Al-Arfawi emphasised the growing frustration among taxi drivers, citing the deteriorating social and economic conditions they face. Key issues include skyrocketing vehicle-related costs such as insurance, which now amounts to 4,000 dinars, leasing payments, maintenance expenses, and fines issued by the Ministry of Transport.
The union’s primary demand is an initial taxi meter fare increase from 900 millimes to 2,000 millimes. Besides, they are urging the Ministry of Transport to halt the issuance of fines, which add significant financial burdens.
Al-Arfawi also stressed that taxi drivers do not benefit from any tax exemptions to ease the cost of purchasing vehicles, which have recently seen a sharp rise in prices.
The meeting and subsequent decisions will determine the next steps for taxi drivers seeking immediate relief from their mounting challenges.
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