Taxi problem at Zurich main station: “We taxi drivers don’t think of it!”

Razor sharp curbs, scratched bodywork

This causes emotions to rise. Independent taxi drivers on Bahnhofplatz find themselves ignored following the renovation of the south wing of the main station. Because while the municipality was repairing the taxi parking lots, one of them suddenly disappeared. Twelve became eleven. According to numerous taxi drivers, many things have completely failed in terms of construction.

“The pavements are razor sharp,” says driver Amad Zuber, 41. It has been taking people to Zurich main station for ten years. “The rims were already broken.” Due to the narrow street width, the mirrors are already broken.

Another taxi driver waiting for customers at Bahnhofplatz that day can tell you a few things about this: There is a deep scratch on the left side of his car’s body. “An ambulance wanted to come here the day before yesterday,” he says.

Aryantash says the incident was symptomatic. He accuses the city of not paying enough attention to the safety of taxi drivers. “If something burns here, no one can escape,” he says. “We taxi drivers don’t think about it!”

The Zurich civil engineering department responsible for redesigning the taxi areas does not understand the concerns. “Even in an emergency scenario, the area can be left via the normal exit,” a spokesperson said upon request.

Zurich Taxi Drivers Association President George Botonakis (52) was surprised by the complaints of Bahnhofplatz taxi drivers. “We haven’t heard of any problems so far,” he said. However, Botonakis says he will clarify the issue again.

Price agreements at Bahnhofplatz

A few hours later, he stands in the station square with a tape measure in his hand and takes measurements. His conclusion is “Everything is within the rules”. He agrees with taxi drivers on only two points: First, the exit is actually a minor flaw. “Careful drivers can handle this situation without any problems,” says Botonakis. Secondly, it will definitely be a bit tight in an emergency.

“Drivers at Bahnhofplatz immediately complain,” notes Botonakis. They are certainly the ones who will negatively affect the taxi market in the city through price agreements.

It is doubtful whether the reason for the taxi drivers’ cries is actually the station renovation. The new taxi law means nerves are on edge. From the new year, the taxi service will no longer be managed by the municipality but by the canton. Now drivers from out of town can also transport people in Zurich. Aryantash “More taxis!” he is afraid. “We have almost no space in the city anyway.”

New taxi law should lead to reduced tariffs

This requires registration and a stricter language requirement for drivers. Limousine services such as Uber and luxury providers have finally been included.

Tariffs will now be calculated equally between cantons and will need to be transparently advertised on vehicles. The Zurich Taxi Association expects the new law to reduce taxi prices by 30 percent. It is incomprehensible to Aryantash: “Everything is becoming more expensive, and taxi drivers now have to earn even less.” Revenue has already halved since the outbreak.

In any case, a price reduction is first and foremost one thing: a recommendation. At the same time, the previously determined maximum tariff will no longer be valid. So it could go the other way. “Some are reducing prices, others are pushing prices; there will be a lot of chaos,” says Aryantash.

Botonakis is also aware of the problem. He still sees potential in new tariffs. “We expect more customers and therefore higher revenue for drivers who lower prices,” he says. Starting from January, it will be revealed who is right.