The controversy surrounding Greece’s government proposal to reduce taxi fares on weekends to discourage drunk driving has sparked intense debate, particularly among taxi drivers.
Thymios Lymberopoulos of the Attica Taxi Owners’ Union vehemently opposes the idea, questioning whether subsidizing taxi fares effectively promotes alcohol consumption among young people. His concern is rooted in the belief that such measures overlook the real dangers faced by taxi drivers who deal with intoxicated passengers, often encountering risky and unsettling situations.
“We have the right,” Lymberopoulos asserts, “to refuse service to individuals who pose a threat due to alcohol consumption. We’ve endured tragic incidents, and this proposal feels like a mockery, not a solution.”
Frustrated by what he perceives as disregard for their profession’s challenges, Lymberopoulos has called for direct dialogue with the government, recalling past meetings with political leaders to address similar concerns. His stance culminated in the announcement of an impending 48-hour strike by taxi drivers, signaling their determination to oppose the fare reduction plan.
A proactive step to prevent alcohol-related accidents?
In contrast, Deputy Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis defends the initiative as a proactive step to prevent alcohol-related accidents. “We are thinking, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, when young people and not only go out and drink a little more, to find a way to make taxi fares cheaper at night, so that those who are having fun can leave their vehicles and take taxis,” he told ANT1.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to public safety, Kyranakis highlights potential funding sources from increased revenue generated by digital traffic cameras. He urges taxi drivers to engage in discussions aimed at implementing measures that could save lives.
“Of course, we will have to examine the budgetary margins first, as we do not want taxi drivers to lose money and the difference in fares will be covered by the state. So we have to agree with them as well,” he added.
However, critics argue against this approach, likening it to subsidizing other industries during peak seasons. They question the fairness and effectiveness of subsidizing transportation after drinking, proposing instead stricter enforcement through regular breathalyzer tests and license removals to deter drunk driving.
Drunk driving is a serious issue in Greece
The latest official statistics from the Athens Traffic Police paint a deeply troubling picture and raise serious concerns about road safety. In just the first 15 days of February, roadside checks revealed that one in ten drivers in Athens was operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol—a staggering figure that underscores the urgency of the issue.
This alarming data prompted law enforcement to step up sobriety checks across the city. As a result, an increasing number of shocking and dangerous incidents involving intoxicated drivers are coming to light, further highlighting the scale of the problem and the risks posed to public safety.
According to the Athens Traffic Police, 135,000 traffic violations were recorded in the year until December 22, 2024: drunk driving, speeding, running red lights, using mobile phones, not wearing seat belts or helmets, and illegal parking. It’s a rise of 145 percent from 2023.
Related: Study Ranks Greece Among World’s Scariest Places for Drivers
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