Electric Buggies Spark Unfair Competition Fears Among Marmaris Taxi Drivers

Taxi drivers in Marmaris are raising concerns over a surge in electric buggy-style vehicles, similar to the ATV issues previously seen in the city. These quiet, environmentally friendly vehicles are becoming increasingly common along the coast, in areas like Uzunyalı, İçmeler, and Armutalan.

The drivers claim these buggies are no longer solely for tourist excursions. They allege that some vehicles are being used to transport passengers for payment, which they argue constitutes unregistered business activity and unfair competition. "If a vehicle is carrying people for a fee, its name is no longer a tourist trip, but transportation. This means both unfair competition and unregistered income," stated one taxi driver.

Local taxi operators have lodged complaints with authorities, requesting a reassessment of the electric vehicles' operations within the existing legal framework. They warn that without proper oversight, the proliferation of these vehicles could lead to more significant issues in the future, potentially even displacing traditional taxis. "Today they are sharing the taxi driver's income. If there is no inspection, tomorrow they may start to replace taxis," they commented.

Cengiz Aygün, Chairman of the Board of the South Aegean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association (GETOB), also noted issues with three-wheeled vehicles, often used by foreign tourists. He observed instances where these vehicles carry far more passengers than their stated capacity, with up to three, four, or even eight people traveling together. Aygün highlighted this as a serious risk to both the occupants and pedestrians.

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Bu araçların bazıları artık sadece gezinti amacıyla kullanılmıyor. Yaptığımız gözlemlerde ve gelen şikayetlerde taşıma faaliyetlerinde bulunduklarına yönelik ciddi iddialar bulunuyor. Eğer bir araç ücret karşılığı insan taşıyorsa bunun adı artık turistik gezi değil, taşımacılıktır. Bu da hem haksız rekabet hem de kayıt dışı kazanç anlamına gelir.