Turkish Cypriot taxi drivers upset with Greek Cypriot Bill

Reactions between Turkish Cypriot taxi drivers were caused after the Greek Cypriot Administration prepared a bill to prohibit the TC taxi drivers from picking passengers up from Larnaca and Paphos airports to transfer them to the north of Cyprus.

The views of the Turkish Cypriot taxi drivers’ were also conveyed by Diyalog.
They warned that relations will be damaged if the bill is legalized and implemented.
Taxi drivers requested that the Turkish Cypriot authorities take action regarding the issue.

Melih Özhakkı: “I have been a taxi driver for many years. I believe that this attempt is to scare us. We have many individuals operating illegal taxis on the north side. They might have been the reason for this decision. We usually work extra carefully on the south side. I comply with rules when I take customers to Larnaca Airport, I do not pick up other customers. But of course, many people do not obey the rules. I know that the Green Line regulation allows us to take passengers over the border, by covering the first letter of our number plate, and I do not believe that they will revoke this right. I hope we do not encounter any negative consequences.”
Hüseyin Denizler: “I was surprised when I heard the news, that the Greek Cypriot taxi drivers had made this suggestion. I believe it is an unfair request. They also come to our side and bring customers too. I hope this issue will be solved; Because this is what we earn our living from. I can understand the reasons why the Greek Cypriot taxi drivers requested such a decision. Fuel is expensive on their side, but cheap on ours. We transport customers at more affordable prices and become a competitor for them.”

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Hasan Özkin: “I think that we can only comment once the decision is made. I do not think that the Greek Cypriot administration will sign such a decision. If they do, then it will affect us negatively. Frankly, what they did is not a good initiative.”

Mert Biranlı: “I think we can continue with our job on the south side and pay taxes too. The Greek Cypriot side also has many illegal taxi drivers. I don’t believe that we are the reason for the outcome of this decision. If this decision is made, then our country’s tourism will be affected negatively. This is a delicate matter, I do not know whether the authorities will contact the other side and try to prevent it. The foreseen fine by law is quite high and can go up to imprisonment.”
(Source: Diyalog)