Athens, January 17, 2026 – Taxi drivers in Athens are set to stage a 48-hour strike on January 20 and 21, significantly impacting transportation across the capital. The Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA) announced the action, citing unresolved issues regarding electric vehicle (EV) transition, competition from ride-hailing services, and tax policies.
48-Hour Strike to Disrupt Athens Transportation
The strike, scheduled from Tuesday, January 20, through Wednesday, January 21, will see a substantial reduction in taxi availability. This move follows what SATA describes as persistent governmental underestimation of long-standing problems within the sector.
According to SATA, the strike aims to compel authorities to address critical regulatory, financial, and operational challenges that are severely impacting the profession. The union has emphasized that these issues are not temporary inconveniences but systemic problems requiring immediate and meaningful action.
Key Demands: EV Transition, Ride-Hailing Rules, and Tax Changes
SATA’s demands encompass a range of issues, from practical operational concerns to major policy shifts, particularly concerning the transition to electric mobility. The core of their argument revolves around the mandatory shift to electric taxis, for which they are requesting:
- An extension of the mandatory shift to electric taxis until 2035.
- The establishment of a framework that is realistic, sustainable, and economically viable for taxi drivers.
Another significant point of contention is the market itself. SATA is advocating for a more transparent regulatory framework for chauffeur-driven private hire vehicles (E.I.X.). The union has warned that the current situation leads to distorted competition and undue influence from multinational ride-hailing platforms, which they deem unfair.
Additional demands put forth by SATA include:
- Access to bus lanes for occupied taxis.
- Changes to what the union describes as unfair tax treatment.
SATA has also directly criticized Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis, accusing him of dismissing the sector’s concerns and ignoring repeated appeals from the union.
Political Engagement and Public Information Event
In the lead-up to the strike, SATA’s board has reportedly met with parliamentary groups from several opposition parties, including PASOK, SYRIZA, Hellenic Solution, and KKE. According to SATA, representatives from these opposition parties expressed support for the taxi drivers’ demands and pledged to advocate for immediate solutions.
In conjunction with the strike, SATA has also announced an information event for the sector, scheduled for:
- Date: Tuesday, January 20
- Time: 10:00 a.m.
- Location: Peristeri Exhibition Center
Advice for Travelers During the Strike
Tourists and residents in Athens during the strike period are advised to anticipate significant disruptions to taxi services. With fewer taxis available, travelers should prepare for potential delays and increased difficulty in navigating the city.
Practical recommendations for travelers include:
- Utilizing the Metro and Tram services for more predictable travel times.
- Booking airport transfers well in advance, if possible.
- Allowing extra buffer time for critical travel, such as flights, ferries, and long-distance bus departures.
It is strongly advised not to assume that taxis will be readily available or easily found during the strike. Travelers should check for real-time updates and make alternative arrangements to avoid inconvenience.
The strike highlights ongoing tensions within the Greek transportation sector as it grapples with modernization, economic pressures, and regulatory challenges. The outcome of this industrial action and subsequent negotiations will be closely watched by both the public and stakeholders in the industry.
Source: Argophilia, Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA)
