Taxi drivers rally in Tbilisi over tariffs, operational rights

Taxi drivers in Tbilisi staged a protest and march on Tuesday, joined by various app-based drivers and trade unions, demanding a meeting with Mayor Kakha Kaladze to address their grievances directly.

The primary issues driving the protest are concerns over tariffs and operational rights, particularly regarding access to and from designated bus lanes. Drivers also express concerns over fines issued by contactless patrol systems, which they claim impede their ability to pick up and drop off passengers effectively.

“I have been a taxi driver since around 2014-15, and over the years, conditions have deteriorated significantly,” one protester said. “Despite our efforts to engage with relevant authorities and companies, we have received little to no response. It is time for our concerns to be heard and addressed”.