site.btaIndefinite Protests Launched in Sofia against Taxi Ranks Closure

Taxi drivers in Sofia launched indefinite protests against the closure of taxi ranks, the head of their national trade union, Krasimir Tsvetkov, told BTA on Monday.

Unlike an earlier demonstration on May 14, this time the protests will not involve a motorcade. "We do not want to cause trouble to Sofianites, because traffic is tough anyway," Tsvetkov said. Protesting drivers and their cars will be present in all 131 taxi ranks in the city as designated by municipal order. Trade unionists have started to put up signs to show where the closed taxi ranks were, he said.

Twenty-one of a total of 68 taxi ranks in the city centre have been closed, according to Tsvetkov. Taxi drivers also insist that there should be a slot for drivers with disabilities in every taxi stand.

Tsvetkov said: "We pay taxes, and we want proper infrastructure. Vehicles unlawfully parked within the limits of taxi ranks should be towed away."