Greek Taxi Drivers to Stage a Forty-Eight Hour Strike in Protest Against its New Tax Regulations and Electric Vehicle Mandate

Published on November 26, 2025

Taxi drivers in the country will start a nationwide 48-hour strike on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in protest against new tax regulations and recent government measures affecting the taxi industry. The action, staged by the Panhellenic Federation of Professional Taxi and Market Car Owners (POEIATA), follows a series of complaints associated with changes to legislation that the federation claims would create unfair competition and a monopolistic environment in the transportation sector.

The protest comes after the Greek government introduced a new bill with legal changes, which the federation believes would threaten drivers’ livelihoods and promote monopolistic practices in the sector. Furthermore, POEIATA has complained that the compulsory transition to electric vehicles for new taxis should be extended until 2035 instead of an earlier deadline.

POEIATA’s Demands: Addressing Competition and Fairer Regulations

POEIATA is also urging the government to curb what it describes as unfair competition from multinational ride-hailing platforms, which it claims are undermining the traditional taxi business. The union has called for more stringent regulations on these platforms, accusing them of “project theft” within the sector.

Moreover, POEIATA is demanding changes to the current pricing rules for chauffeur-driven private cars (E.I.X.) and is pushing for the implementation of pending provisions in the fundraising bill that would support the sector’s recovery and growth. One of the federation’s key demands is for taxis carrying passengers to be allowed to use designated special lanes in Athens and across Attica, a move they argue would improve traffic efficiency and reduce delays, especially during peak hours.

Potential Impact on Travelers: Disruptions Across Athens and Attica

As the taxi strike is set to occur over a 48-hour period, travelers to and within Athens and Attica are advised to plan ahead for potential transport disruptions, particularly with airport and port transfers. The strike is likely to cause delays in taxi availability, leading to possible difficulties in getting around the city and reaching key transportation hubs like Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) and Piraeus Port.

The tourism impact of the taxi strike is expected to be significant, particularly for visitors who rely on taxis for airport transfers or transport to hotel accommodations. The disruption in services could result in delays for tourists traveling between their accommodation and key tourist attractions, such as the Acropolis, Plaka, and other popular landmarks in Athens. The strike may also affect tourist movement within Attica, with key tourist destinations and beaches being harder to access without taxis.

To mitigate disruptions, tourists are encouraged to consider alternative transportation options, such as public transport (buses, metro, and trams) or private transfer services. These alternatives may provide more reliable routes during the strike period, especially for those with scheduled flights or ferry departures.

POEIATA’s Strategy for Future Mobilizations

In response to ongoing concerns and challenges, POEIATA is also establishing a Sectoral Council to guide decision-making within the industry. The council will be responsible for coordinating future mobilizations and protests, ensuring that taxi drivers’ concerns are represented and addressed by policymakers in the future.

Tourism and Transport Implications of the Taxi Strike

The tourism industry in Athens and the surrounding Attica region may face temporary disruptions due to the taxi strike, which could affect tourist movements within the city and between popular destinations. In particular, airport and port transfers—key parts of many visitors’ itineraries—are likely to experience delays, particularly for those relying on taxis as their primary mode of transport.

While taxi services remain a convenient option for many, the growing popularity of ride-hailing apps and alternative transport methods like car rentals and shuttle services is reshaping the tourism transport landscape in Greece. These changes, alongside the current strike and regulatory push for electric vehicles, highlight the evolving dynamics within Greece’s transportation industry and the tourism sector’s response to it.

The tourism impact is particularly significant as tourists will need to adjust their travel plans, potentially facing longer travel times and more complex arrangements to reach tourist attractions or accommodation. The strike also brings attention to the need for more sustainable and diversified transportation options for tourists in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, which are major attractions for both leisure and business travelers.

The Broader Tourism Impact: Sustainable Solutions for Future Growth

The tourism impact of the taxi strike serves as a reminder of the need for diverse and sustainable transportation solutions within Greece’s tourism ecosystem. As international tourists continue to flock to Greece, particularly for city breaks in Athens, there is growing demand for a broader array of transport options that complement the existing taxi services. This includes public transit, private transfers, and innovative travel services that provide reliable and efficient solutions for travelers, regardless of strikes or disruptions.

In the long term, the tourism sector could benefit from adopting more sustainable transport models, such as electric vehicle fleets, bike-sharing systems, and autonomous transport options, ensuring a more resilient and environmentally-friendly approach to tourist mobility in the country. The taxi strike may spark new discussions about the future of tourism transport in Greece, with an emphasis on flexibility, accessibility, and sustainability for all visitors.

A Balancing Act Between Transportation Needs and Tourism Growth

This 48-hour strike by taxi owners has mirrored the growing tensions in the Greek transport sector, especially regarding the transition towards electric cars and competition from ride-hailing platforms. As this strike will probably create temporary disruptions in tourism in Athens and Attica, at the same time, it opens up opportunities for the tourism industry to look for long-term solutions that will balance sustainability with tourist mobility.

As Greece’s tourism sector continues to grow, paying attention to the alignment of transportation services with tourist needs and sustainable practices will be paramount to keeping the country at the top of destinations in the world. Strengthening public transportation systems, alternative mobility options, and environmentally-friendly transport solutions will certainly create a resilient and more inclusive tourism sector in Greece that benefits both visitors and the local economy.