At the same time that taxi drivers are expressing their deep concern about the current state of the industry, claiming that chauffeured passenger cars for hire (PHC) are stealing their work, PHC drivers. in Heraklion, Crete, they started a protest march, as they say their patience has run out.

A similar mobilization was organized for today, March 6, by the Association of Corfu (SEEMO) and also in Santorini with the support of the currently established Panhellenic Federation of Renting E.I.H. with a Guide in island Greece.

As they emphasize, their main request is a legislative framework that will give businesses “access to the free market and free competition without unconstitutional restrictions.”

According to the announcement of the Heraklion Association, more than 12 years have passed since the state established the rental service E.I.X. with guide (L.4093/2012).

“As mentioned in the explanatory reports of laws 4093/2012 and 4512/2018, the services provided by our companies serve the public interest, specifically the upgrading of the offered tourist product and the coverage of the new needs that have been created in the tourist market. While the government proclaims as a national goal the development of the tourism product and its extension, at the same time it takes care through its inaction to condemn a sector that should be a priority in achieving a competitive comparative advantage. The field of tourist transport. Unfortunately, we have been faced for years with a regulatory framework that can only be described as friendly to the development of our services, and the repeated provisions have created a field for misunderstandings. As a result of this, our businesses are prosecuted and forced into lock-ups under the veil of an existing, irrational, unconstitutional and consequential legislation with the European recommendations”, they point out.

The drivers E.I.X. they emphasize that their work is legal and not intended to drive taxi professionals away. However, legislation that separates and clarifies the rights and obligations of both branches is necessary.

What are E.I.X drivers asking for?

According to their demands, the current legislation needs to be updated so that their legal work is freed up and the work of the taxi industry is not disrupted.

They therefore request the following:

1. Explicit recognition of the possibility of entering into lease contracts E.I.X. of cars with a driver, by legal entities and in particular by tourist agencies, as lessees as defined by circular A 43545/2224/16-7-2020 of the Ministry of Transport.
2. Extension to Crete of the regime that applies to the other islands (30′ minimum total rental time instead of 3 hours).
3. Provision of the possibility of recording the point of disembarkation of the lessee (the self-evident where at some point the passenger will disembark).
4. Simplification of the content of the E.I.X car rental contract with a driver.
5. Simplification of the content of the travel/transport order (voucher – case 5A.
6. Abolition of the obligation to post the E.I.X. rental contract. car with a driver in the digital register, at least two hours before its start.
7. Explicit recognition of the possibility of tourist offices to provide transport services to their customers without charge, using E.I.X. cars with driver.
8. Simplification of the framework of administrative sanctions and fines imposed on E.I.X. rental businesses. cars with a driver and rationalization of the amount of fines.
9. Abolition of the administrative sanction of removing the license plates of E.I.X. cars with driver.
10. Transfer to the Ministry of Tourism (M.Y.T.) of the authority to impose administrative sanctions and fines against E.I.X. rental businesses. cars with driver.
11. Extension of the maximum circulation time of E.I.X. cars with a driver at 14 years.
12. Limiting the check only to the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle and the necessary documents and not to the transported passengers (tourists).
13. Gradual abolition of the minimum duration of the E.I.X. rental contract. car with driver.
14. Abolition of the minimum rent of the E.I.X. car with driver.

What is true in other European countries for E.I.X.

The European Commission has published a notice for national and local authorities on the regulation of taxis and private hire vehicles. It explains how internal market rules for taxis and chauffeured vehicles need to be applied and how proper regulation can make these services more sustainable, accessible and fair.

Specifically, the Commission advises the states not to set regulations that lead to empty routes, such as the obligation for E.I.X. to return to the garage in between or geographic restrictions that prevent drivers from carrying passengers on return journeys from remote locations.

Regarding the taxi industry’s argument of “unfair competition”, which is often put forward, it is explained that drivers can choose whether to work as freelancers in taxis or as employees of companies with E.I.X. Germany, Spain, Belgium, Norway and other countries applying the scheme welcomed the EU’s announcement.

The Director for Land Passenger Transport, Kristian Schmidt, confirmed that there are several possible approaches to regulating the sector within the current framework set by the current rules at EU level. As he has emphasized a key need is to ensure adequate and safe local mobility for citizens and for sustainability.

Therefore, there is no question of “extermination” of the taxi industry, but of coexistence, with the main purpose of properly serving citizens and participating in efforts to address environmental challenges.