Aspiring cabbies asked to step up
Nearly four months after a law opening up the taxi drivers? profession was passed, Athens Regional Governor Yiannis Sgouros on Tuesday called on would-be cabbies to submit their applications for licenses.
As the number of taxis circulating in Attica is already excessive (with 13,722 registered), the call for license applications, to be submitted by September 28, relates to those wanting to drive seven- or nine-seater vehicles. The chief function of these vehicles — some of which are to be equipped with facilities for disabled passengers — will be to shuttle tourists to and from airports and ports. Anyone with a clean driving license can apply while those already working as cabbies can apply to change their current licenses to one for the larger vehicles.
Although the new law sets a limit on the number of taxi drivers in Attica at 11,525, cabbies will not have their licenses revoked but those who retire will not be able to sell their licenses as has been the case to date.
