Turkey: High tensions between taxi and Uber drivers in Istanbul

Event

Animosity toward Uber drivers has recently surged among Istanbul's taxi drivers. A Turkish media report on Thursday, March 7, claimed that taxi drivers solicit Uber rides and beat their drivers in isolated parts of the city on a nearly daily basis. Additional instances of taxi-driver violence targeting Uber drivers are expected in Istanbul in the near-term.

Context

Taxi drivers have complained that the number of people seeking taxis has declined, as well as income, since Uber began operating in Istanbul in 2014. According to Turkish media sources, there are currently over 3000 Uber drivers in Istanbul.

Advice

Individuals in Istanbul are advised to only use official taxis to avoid potential acts of violence and to monitor developments to the situation. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the local authorities.