“Customers have gotten used to cheap rides, but then they wait for 40 minutes or worry about their safety. It is impossible to honestly transport people for 10–12 zlotys,” complain taxi drivers in Trójmiasto.
The owner of a small taxi company in Trójmiasto complains about low taxi prices and competition from corporations
“I have been running a small private taxi service in Trójmiasto for many years. I have trusted drivers with licenses, experience, and responsibility for passengers. I watch with concern as the transport market is being destroyed by dumping prices and unfair competition from large apps,” he says.
Prices are rising — incomes are falling
He claims that being a taxi driver is no longer profitable. Since 2018, the maximum rates in Gdańsk have not changed. During this time, everything has become more expensive: fuel, insurance, leasing, maintenance.
„Ale kierowcy wciąż są zobowiązani do oferowania przejazdów za 10–12 złotych. To po prostu nie ma sensu” – mówi właściciel firmy.
In his opinion, the authorities should support legal taxi drivers. Those who pay taxes, undergo checks, and are responsible for passenger safety
“Apps have accustomed people to prices that are too low. But there is neither quality nor safety behind them. Passengers often say themselves that they feel insecure: it is unknown who will arrive, whether the driver has experience and the right to work,” the man believes.
He thinks that corporations are dumping prices and that the market has been distorted by years of low rates
“In my company, the minimum price for a short ride is 35 zlotys. This guarantees that the driver will arrive immediately and fulfill the order. The client receives a legal service, safety, and normal service,” explains the company owner.
To nie jest normalny rynek, lecz sztuczne tłumienie cen mające na celu wyeliminowanie tradycyjnych usług, uważa mężczyzna.
“People see a price of 12 zlotys in the app, but then either no one takes the order, or they have to wait a long time. I urge the authorities to raise the rates and start a serious conversation about the future of legal taxis. Otherwise, soon there will only be large apps and random drivers left,” he complains.
He also appeals to passengers to support local companies.
“Yes, it may be a bit more expensive, but you will get safety and professional service. Because ‘cheap’ often ends up being more expensive — in nerves or even health. You don’t know who is behind the wheel and how experienced they are. And no one really checks that,” concludes the company owner.
