16 May 2019 | 04:47 AM UTC
Austria: Taxi drivers to protest in Vienna May 16
Hundreds of taxi and private drivers are planning to protest in Vienna on May 16 to demand increased regulation on ride-sharing companies; significant traffic disruptions expected
Event
Taxi and rental car drivers are planning to hold a demonstration in Vienna on Thursday, May 16, to demand increased regulations on ride-sharing companies, such as Uber. As many as 2000 vehicles may participate in the protest, which will start at 11:00 (local time) at the Donautrum near Arbeiterstrandbadstraße. At 12:30, the protesters will drive through the streets to Museum Square, where a rally will be held until 16:00. According to one of the demonstration organizers, only 400 taxis will participate in the protest in order to prevent service disruptions. Significant traffic disruptions are anticipated at the rally sites and along the demonstration route.
Context
According to the protest leaders, taxi and car rental drivers have suffered significant revenue losses to Uber’s business practices. Ride-sharing companies are being accused of being able to operate outside of the government regulations that taxi drivers have to follow.
Advice
Individuals in Vienna are advised to monitor developments of the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and allow for additional time to reach their destinations.
