Taxi organisations demand government apply laws to all transporters

Professional transport organisations and taxi drivers have demanded that the government apply the relevant laws to all transporters, including Uber drivers.

Representatives told a press conference on Tuesday that taxi drivers protesting in the street despite the cold weather want the government to make clear that Hungarian laws apply to everyone.

The Budapest Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the National Association of Transport Businesses and the National Taxi Association have asked the prime minister to appoint an authority to coordinate activities and issue fines for abusers. Around 500 drivers working for ride-hailing service Uber lack the licences and equipment necessary to carry out such activities, and can thereby defraud the treasury, they said. Online access to Uber should suspended until they comply with regulations, they added.

Head of the National Taxi Organisation, Zoltan Metal, said Uber may have a price advantage but it is not legal. The national transport authority stated last year that the activities linked to Uber are unlawful in Hungary, he added. Uber does not have registered employees and the drivers lack relevant tax numbers. According to certain estimates, Uber deprives the treasury of 3 billion forints (EUR 9.52m) each year, he said.