Addis Abeba taxi drivers are calling for urgent tariff adjustments for nighttime operations, citing increased costs and safety concerns stemming from new city regulations mandating extended operating hours. They also allege widespread extortion by officers and express dissatisfaction with the current penalty point system.

New city regulations requiring businesses to remain open until 9:30 PM and transportation services until 10 PM have placed major concerns on taxi drivers. They argue that the lack of return passengers from the city's outskirts at night necessitates a tariff adjustment to ensure profitability.

The Ethiopian Transport Workers Federation supports the drivers' appeal, proposing a minimum 50pc fare compensation for nighttime trips to offset the lack of return passengers and heightened security risks. Federation board member Dereje Beyene also suggested establishing designated nighttime transport zones and implementing contract-based fares for late-night travelers.

Dereje highlighted the disparity between taxis and buses regarding loading and unloading facilities, noting the limited designated spaces for taxis despite their high volume. "Driving has become a frustrating experience," he said.

The Federation has formally requested a dialogue with the Addis Abeba Transport Bureau to address these concerns. While acknowledging the presence of rule-breaking taxi drivers, Dereje argued that collective punishment is not the solution. He urged authorities to resolve infrastructure deficiencies before enforcing stringent regulations.

"Taxi drivers are disproportionately penalised because they spend long hours on the road," he said.

A similar plea was made by Yibeltal Abate, president of Neser Taxi Owners Association. Representing 500 drivers, he echoed these concerns. He cited rising operational costs, alleging extortion by individuals claiming to be local administration appointees.

"If there are no returnees, profitability is impossible," he said.

The allegations are dismissed by the authorities. According to Yabebal Desta, head of the Addis Abeba Transport Bureau, the officers are appointed by the Ministry of Labor & Skills and are mandated to supervise terminal operations. He accused some drivers and officers of colluding to inflate fares, undermining established fare regulations.

Regarding increased penalties, Yabebal affirmed that the regulations are in force and compliance is mandatory. However, he acknowledged the disproportionate impact on taxis due to widespread non-compliance and the inherent challenges of regulation. He also clarified that while associations were informed of the new late-night directive, full enforcement is pending a study to assess demand.