A new taxi fare dispute has sparked outrage in Athens after a driver allegedly demanded €80 for a journey from the KTEL Kifisos bus station to the Port of Piraeus, refused to use the taximeter, and abandoned two passengers when they declined to pay.
According to local media, the incident occurred during a trip from the city’s main intercity bus terminal to Piraeus. The passengers claim the driver refused to activate the taximeter, instead insisting on a fixed fare because of heavy traffic and the loss of potential fares while travelling to the port.
The passengers allege the driver initially asked for €40 before increasing the price to €80 once the journey had begun. They say the taximeter was never switched on.
Passengers left on the roadside
When the passengers refused to pay the inflated fare, the situation escalated. They claim the driver stopped before reaching their destination, ordered them out of the vehicle and drove away.
During the confrontation, the driver allegedly told the passengers, “I’m in charge here,” according to Greek media reports.
The passengers also claim the driver deliberately drove away with the boot left open in an apparent attempt to obscure the vehicle’s registration plate and prevent it from being recorded on video.
Incident captured on video
Despite the alleged attempt to hide the licence plate, the passengers managed to record part of the verbal confrontation on video.
Greek media reports say the footage has been submitted as evidence, while the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA) has been informed of the complaint.
If the allegations are confirmed, the driver could face disciplinary action for refusing to use the taximeter, demanding an unlawful fare and abandoning passengers before completing the journey.
Latest in a string of taxi complaints
The incident comes just days after another high-profile case in which a taxi driver was accused of charging tourists €170 for a journey that should have cost around €45.
The two cases have raised fresh concerns over illegal fare practices during the busy summer tourist season. Both incidents allegedly involved passengers travelling to or from major transport hubs, where visitors unfamiliar with local fares are often most vulnerable.
Know your rights
Under Greek regulations, taxi drivers are generally required to use the taximeter for journeys within the city. Fixed fares apply only to specific routes, such as official airport transfers, and should not be imposed arbitrarily.
Passengers who encounter problems are advised to note the taxi’s registration number, the time and location of the journey, and, where it is safe to do so, record photographs or video that may assist authorities in investigating complaints.
The latest allegations have renewed calls for stronger enforcement against drivers who overcharge passengers, amid concerns that such incidents damage both consumer confidence and Athens’ reputation as a tourist destination.