The strike of taxi drivers in Saaremaa brought a new competitor to the market: we hope that other Estonian cities will wake up and stand up for themselves

Saaremaa Taxi Drivers Stage Second Strike Against Bolt

Saaremaa experienced a second taxi drivers’ strike on Friday, continuing a longstanding dispute with ride-sharing company Bolt. The action, the second strike in the region this year, stems from Bolt’s refusal to adjust fares, a point of contention for local taxi drivers. The strike, lasting approximately three hours, focused on the platform’s consistently low pricing structure.

According to Arvi Hallik, managing director of Hea Takso, the core issue is the rising operational costs for taxi drivers. “Fuel, insurance, VAT, repairs, and other expenses have increased significantly,” Hallik stated. “Bolt has not raised prices in the region for years, creating an unsustainable situation for taxi drivers.”

The initial strike, held in January, also targeted these low prices.

Following that first action, a second strike occurred in January, reiterating the drivers’ concerns regarding the imbalance between platform pricing and operational costs. The events in Saaremaa have prompted calls for other Estonian cities to consider similar action. “We hope that other Estonian cities will wake up and stand up for themselves,” Hallik added.

The dispute highlights the challenges faced by taxi drivers navigating the evolving landscape of ride-sharing services.

Topics: #strike #taxi #drivers