"Eviction" TAXI FROM THE LEOFOREIOLORIDES

The ... eviction of taxis from bus lanes Thessaloniki asking the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Council in Thessaloniki Urban Transport (SASTH) with taxi drivers refuse to even discuss the possibility.

"We made the decision against ...
majority, as we see continued deterioration in the level of service to the traveling public and speed of movement of buses. If not on taxis in bus lanes, would double the average speed of urban, now, unfortunately, is less than 10 kph.This would mean that it would take half the buses to move the same number of passengers or the same number of buses could be moved twice as many passengers, "said President of SASTH, Panagiotis Papaioannou.
He notes that the proposal provides for the exit taxis from bus lanes each and every of Thessaloniki, and stresses that, expressing a personal opinion, could be made ​​for taxis, but buses are affected. "We could, for example, consider creating lanes on certain roads which will be released only taxis or taxis with high occupancy vehicles, ie those carrying more than three passengers," concludes Mr. Papaioannou. A OASTH "We realize that the prospects for the taxi drivers are bad, and the general economic crisis has dramatically reduced their work, but it is important to serve the traveling public. Priority should be given to the unique mode of mass transport in Thessaloniki, as has been found that the entry of other vehicles in bus lanes substantially delayed buses, which take twice as long to complete their route ", says Secretary of the Syndicate of Workers OASTH Costas angel. Taxis The taxi drivers of Thessaloniki, which is currently allowed to travel with their vehicles within certain hours of bus lanes, refusing any discussion which looks at the exit from them. "The period 2004 - 2007, which were not on taxis within the bus lanes, can the completion time of the bus routes have been smaller, but there was no increase in passenger numbers. Simultaneously, the middle and left lane roads where bus lanes are crowded prevailed and passengers avoided the taxi, because significantly delayed, which resulted to the increase in rates. Also, this time by air pollutants have increased, "describes the president of the Taxi Owners Association of Thessaloniki" Mercury, "Costas Yannakakis. Yannakakis He argues that according to international standard bus lanes are created only when they pass by public transport that serve at least 50% of movements."The coaches OASTH serve only 27% of movements. However, we are supporters of the measure, as it contributes to serving the public transport. In no case, however, can not imagine the taxi outside the bus lanes. The coexistence of bus and taxi, the two public transport is best for Thessaloniki and serve the traveling public, "concludes Mr. Yannakakis.