Circular from the Ministry to Corner Yellow Taxis

The Ministry of Interior has issued a new circular regarding yellow taxis, which cause problems throughout Turkey, even though they are more prominent in Istanbul due to its population. The circular called “Commercial Taxi Controls” sent to the governorships of 81 provinces affects all yellow taxis across the country. When we look at the circular of the Ministry of Interior, we can easily say that new sanctions have been imposed on commercial taxis.

There are two points that draw the most attention in the circular of the Ministry of Interior regarding commercial taxis. The first of these is the ban from traffic. So much so that taxi drivers will be banned from traffic if it is determined that they have chosen passengers. On the other hand; law enforcement will now conduct inspections as civilians. For example, a plainclothes policeman will take a taxi and get into this taxi like a passenger and carry out inspections. The plainclothes police will also fine the taxi drivers during these inspections.

Here are the articles in the circular

• In case of complaints/applications regarding the absence of passengers due to short distances/traffic density in taxis, and if the issue is determined ex officio during the inspections, the security units will eliminate the grievances of the passengers.
• Necessary legal action (including ban from traffic) will be taken against the taxi drivers who insist on not picking up the passengers, in coordination with the relevant chamber and municipality.
• Commercial taxi inspections will be increased and civilian personnel inspections applied in intercity buses will also be applied to commercial taxis.
• Contact information regarding the channels (municipalities, chamber of tradesmen, etc.) where taxi passengers can submit their complaints about their grievances will be shared with the public.