18 Sep 2023 | 01:37 PM UTC
France: Taxi drivers plan to strike in Marseille Sept. 23 during the Pope's visit
Taxi drivers to strike and protest in Marseille, France, Sept. 23, during the Pope's visit. Traffic disruptions likely.
Event
Taxi drivers plan to strike and protest in Marseille on Sept. 23. The drivers' union is denouncing plans to cap taxi fares from the airport and three other locations, from January 2024. The protest is timed to coincide with the Pope's visit to the city, where he will hold a mass in the Velodrome Stadium at 16:45. Local authorities warn that the taxi drivers will stage a go-slow convoy from Marseille-Provence airport (MRS) to the city center. Taxi drivers from Aix-en-Provence are likely to join the protest, and more than 1,000 taxis may participate in the action.
Access to private hire vehicles will be limited during the protest period. Traffic is likely to be disrupted in Marseille during the protest. Authorities are likely to deploy increased police to minimize disruptions. Demand for public transport is likely to increase as voyagers seek alternative means.
Advice
Prepare for some travel delays. Plan for disruption to available taxi services and consider alternative forms of transport as a precaution. Heed instructions from authorities.
