On Monday, April 13, taxi industry protests will take place simultaneously in Rīga, Daugavpils and Jelgava, blocking traffic in the centres of these cities, said the organisations representing the taxi industry.
The protest is organised by the employers’ organisation of the taxi transport sector (TPNDDO), the Employers’ organisation of the Latvian light taxi sector (LVTNDDO), the Association for the Development of licensed commercial passenger carriers (LPKAA) and the Latvian Union of public services and Transport workers (LAKRA).
Organisers of the protest claim that all necessary permits have been received in these cities.
The protest is being held because the government has failed to deliver on the industry’s stated ultimatum and take real steps to curb the “Bolt” platform’s monopoly.
Industry organisations are advocating for a fair and predictable taxi industry that would encourage healthy competition and new entrants to the market rather than destroy existing local entrepreneurs. The industry says its priority is also consumer interests – the price of the trip should be clear and reasonable, preventing situations where Bolt’s arbitrary coefficients unreasonably price the same route at both €10 and €20. Organisations are demanding an end to price manipulation that distorts the market and misleads citizens.
The protest action will begin in Zaķusala at 8 a.m. with a rally, but between 9 and 11 there will be a protest tour of Riga accompanied by police. The itinerary for the trip is the waterfront of Zaķusala – Salu Bridge – Krasta Street – Ģenerāļa Radziņa Embankment – Kārļa Mīlenbaha Street – Emīlijas Benjamiņas Street (Ministry of Transport) – 13. janvāra Street – Akmens Bridge – Mūkusala Street (the Bolt operations Administration Building) – Mūkusala roundabout – Salu Bridge – back to Zaķusala.
11 to 14 is scheduled for a press conference and a rally.
The state and municipal police in Rīga will close the city centre, its surroundings and bridges to other road traffic participants during the trip.
It is planned to close traffic in the Vienības Square in Daugavpils, while in Jelgava it is planned to close traffic in Pilssala Street, municipal car parking lot. Procedures in accordance with local government coordination will be ensured in the locations of the promotion.
Organisers are also calling for restaurant and catering business operators to stand in solidarity at the protest event, not fulfilling orders on the Bolt app on the day of the protest.
Select text and press Ctrl+Enter to send a suggested correction to the editor
Select text and press Report a mistake to send a suggested correction to the editor
Tell us about a mistake