High demand for cabin season in taxis
Safety Concerns Lead to Increased Demand for Cabin Taxis in Istanbul
The safety of taxi drivers has become a major issue in Istanbul following a rise in violence targeting drivers. The recent murder of taxi driver Oğuz Erge by a passenger has brought the issue to the forefront. Veli Yurt, Deputy Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Taxi Drivers and Tradesmen, stated that negotiations with the necessary authorities have begun to install bulletproof cabins in taxis.
Ahmet Arslanoğlu, a business owner, noted an increase in demand for cabin taxis due to rising incidents of muggings, injuries, and murders targeting drivers. He highlighted that the cabins do not spoil the appearance of the vehicle and provide increased safety for the driver. Arslanoğlu also mentioned that they are working on developing bulletproof cabins to further enhance driver protection.
Furthermore, Veli Yurt emphasized the need for improved safety for taxi drivers, stating that none of the approximately 55,000 drivers in Istanbul should be at risk while on duty. He discussed the potential for the Ministry of Internal Affairs to make it mandatory for vehicles to have a cabin, which would significantly improve driver safety.
In addition, Lawyer Iyaz Çimen addressed the legal and security aspects of cabin installation in taxis, indicating that the improvements help increase the comfort and security of both drivers and passengers. He also emphasized that any door locking for security purposes should be done with the passenger’s consent to ensure their safety.
Gülden Bilge, a taxi driver, shared her experience of having a cabin installed in her vehicle for four years, highlighting the need for improved safety conditions for drivers. She stressed that safety should be a priority for all drivers and that cabin installations could act as a deterrent in certain situations.
Other taxi drivers in Istanbul expressed similar concerns, citing a growing fear among drivers when picking up passengers and calling for the introduction of cabin vehicles to enhance their safety.
As safety concerns continue to rise, the demand for cabin taxis in Istanbul is increasing, and efforts are being made to address these issues and improve the overall safety of taxi drivers in the city.
