Precautions Against Coronavirus Taken for Taxis in Istanbul
Taxi operations in Istanbul have dropped significantly due to the coronavirus outbreak. For this reason, Eyüp Aksu, President of the Istanbul Taxi Drivers’ Chamber, said that incomes have fallen sharply as a result of the epidemic and requested a new working system for taxi drivers. The system the president proposed is to allow taxis to work on alternating days based on the last digit of their license plate: vehicles whose final digit is odd would operate one day, and those whose final digit is even would operate the next. This request has been submitted to the Governorship and the Police Department.
President Aksu explained that if taxis operate on alternating days according to the final digit of their plate—odd one day, even the next—some drivers can remain at home while others continue working, reducing exposure and spread. He stated that the necessary applications have been made and that the measure will be implemented as soon as possible. Aksu noted that Istanbul has a total of 17,395 taxis and approximately 52,000 people working in the sector. He also announced that, if requested, taxi drivers can provide free transport of necessities to citizens aged 65 and over, and that they will offer free rides to healthcare workers.
Free Disinfection Service for Taxis Across Istanbul
President Aksu emphasized that because some brokers and vehicle owners demand fixed fees from taxi drivers, the chamber will intervene to standardize those charges and prevent arbitrary demands. He pointed out that some workers in the taxi sector are tenants and others are drivers, and during this period no one should be forced to pay an unreasonable amount. He added that ridership has dropped by as much as 90 percent in some areas.
Aksu reminded the public that both the Taxi Drivers’ Chamber and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality operate free disinfection centers. He said, “Drivers who want their taxis disinfected can come to the Selimiye and Seyrantepe centers in front of the main building, where we provide free cleaning.” He also noted that the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has established 46 free disinfection points for taxis, minibuses, and shared vans. These locations have been announced so drivers can take their vehicles there to be disinfected free of charge.