‘Luxury taxis’ aim to compete with Uber in Istanbul

ISTANBUL– Anadolu Agency

A new taxi service that aims to provide a more comfortable experience for customers was launched in Istanbul on Dec. 19, in a bid to compete with Uber and unregistered operators.

The first “luxury taxis” belonging to the Atatürk International Airport Taxi Drivers Cooperative hit the streets of Istanbul.

The new taxis, which can carry nine passengers and which are equipped with a mini-bar, cost twice as much as normal taxis.

The Atatürk Airport Taxi Drivers Cooperative says it has started to offer the luxury transportation services in order to counter unlicensed taxis.

“Our aim is to fight against Uber and unlicensed taxis. We also want to prevent taxi drivers from unfairly demanding higher prices,” Lami As, one of the drivers of the new luxury taxis, told state-run Anadolu Agency.

In addition to the new “luxury” cabs, some 200 electric taxis will be on Istanbul roads by the end this year, Istanbul Chamber of Taxi Drivers (İTEO) head Yahya Uğur had said in October.