Taxi company protests free public transport stealing its bread

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Taxi company Saksa Takso, protesting against free public transport, promises free ride tomorrow. Still – after €7 limit one does have to pay up.

Tomorrow, February 26th from 8 am to 8 pm, Saksa Takso offers free taxi services within Tallinn city limits, announces the company. Thus protesting against free public transport, which has substantially cut the ranks of taxi users.

According to Saksa Takso CEO Andrea Green, taxi rides’ volume has sharply dropped since New Year when free public transport entered into force – in two months, call centre has received 25 per cent less orders. «This money could be invested by town government into improving the streets of Tallinn, as potholes are causing excessive damage to our vehicles’ wheels and chassis, expressed in repair and replacement money,» added Ms Green.

The taxi company promises to take no fee for rides worth up to €7. «The enter-the-car cost is €2.30 and a kilometre costs €0.49. So, everybody can calculate the €7 distance,» said the company’s dispatcher. He reckoned that from city centre to Mustamäe or border of Lasnamäe ought to be free. To the end of Lasnamäe, however, would mean some payment.

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