Turkish gov’t set to meet taxi, Uber drivers in bid to ease tension

Aysel Alp - HATAY

The government plans to come together with representatives from Uber and taxi associations in a bid to ease escalating tension between the two sides, Customs and Trade Minister Bülent Tüfenkci has said.

Tensions have risen in recent weeks between taxi drivers and Uber drivers in Istanbul, amid reports of numerous instances in which groups of taxi drivers have physically attacked Uber drivers.

Tüfenkci said the government wanted to hear the arguments of the both sides in the upcoming days.

“People find something good in Uber. Our taxi drivers should evaluate themselves. We must analyze why people prefer Uber. We want to hear the arguments of both sides in the upcoming period,” he told reporters on March 14, adding that the government opposes any violent measures.

“We will prepare a detailed action plan in coordination with the Interior Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Transport Ministry,” Tüfenkci said.

A lawsuit was recently opened against Uber by the United Taxi Drivers Association, with lawyers of the latter demanding that the authorities block access to the Uber application in Turkey. The court has adjourned the trial to June 4, saying it is waiting for the expert report regarding the issue to be completed.