Istanbul’s Transport Coordination Center (UKOME) recently made a significant decision to revoke the licenses of taxi drivers found guilty of overcharging tourists. This action followed a string of fraud cases where tourists were charged exorbitant amounts on credit cards. The decision was reached during a meeting chaired by Pelin Alpkökin, Deputy Secretary General of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) at the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) in Eyüpsultan.
During the meeting, evidence from police reports and videos confirmed various offenses by taxi drivers, including unfair profit, solicitation, fraud, obstruction of filming, and illegal operations. Shockingly, one driver charged a tourist 36,000 lira on a credit card, equivalent to about USD 1,080, while another withdrew 400,000 lira from a tourist’s account in two transactions, amounting to approximately USD 12,000. The decision to cancel licenses of drivers involved in such practices was unanimously approved.
As part of the measures to improve the situation, UKOME introduced a new rule mandating retraining for drivers or transport operators whose Public Transport Vehicle Usage Certificate is suspended for 30 consecutive days or a total of 60 days within a year. The retraining, conducted by the IMM Transportation Academy, covers regulations, city knowledge, safe driving techniques, and basic foreign language skills. The five-day program, costing 15,000 lira, aims to elevate professional standards and enhance the quality of taxi services in Istanbul, particularly for international visitors.
In addition to mandatory retraining, UKOME also approved penalties for various infractions by taxi operators and drivers, such as not using taximeters, illegal parking, smoking in vehicles, driving without proper licenses, and alcohol consumption while on duty. The increased penalties aim to address concerns about tourist safety and protect Istanbul’s reputation as a global tourist destination.
City officials have emphasized the importance of safeguarding tourists from predatory practices to maintain Istanbul’s status as one of the world’s top tourist destinations. By implementing stricter penalties and mandatory training, the municipality aims to professionalize the taxi industry and bring it in line with international standards, ensuring a positive experience for visitors.
While acknowledging that most taxi drivers provide reliable service, the authorities have recognized the need for consistent enforcement to prevent fraudulent practices that tarnish the city’s image. The decision to monitor drivers continuously using new technology and reporting systems underscores the municipality’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and visitor satisfaction.
The recent measures represent a significant step towards regulating Istanbul’s taxi sector, which plays a crucial role in serving millions of residents and tourists annually. Through a combination of penalties, license revocations, and mandatory training, the city aims to rebuild trust and confidence in its transportation network, ultimately enhancing the overall visitor experience in Istanbul.
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