Taxi Protest Pressures Budapest Municipality over Regulatory Measures

On Wednesday morning, taxi drivers began protesting at several locations in the Hungarian capital. Contrary to the announced agenda of the gathering, participants slowed down and blocked traffic at several locations throughout Budapest.

Norbert Váczi, co-chairman of the Budapest Taxi Association, told reporters at City Hall that professional organizations have been negotiating with the capital for almost a year. They requested that taxi fares be adjusted to the changed economic situation, i.e., a fare increase and automatic annual adjustments. They also requested regulation of the number of taxis, namely a cap on the number of taxis and the elimination of illegal passenger transport.

Protesting taxi drivers on Városház Street. Photo: MTI/Illyés Tibor

The advocate said that

the General Assembly of Budapest is expected to discuss amendments to the taxi regulations on Wednesday, but these do not include the requests of the taxi organizations, only provisions that make their working conditions more difficult, such as tightening the point system.

The taxi organization is demanding that the proposal be withdrawn and substantive negotiations begin, and until this is done, they will continue to protest, Norbert Váczi said. He added that representatives of the taxi drivers will also attend Wednesday’s meeting of the General Assembly in person.

Hundreds of taxis lined up in the streets around City Hall and Heroes’ Square,

the organizers said.

Protesting taxi drivers on Heroes’ Square. Photo: MTI/Bodnár Boglárka

Taxi organizations announced two rallies in the capital for September 24, 2025: in the 5th district, on Városház Street, and at Heroes’ Square, reads a statement by the police. The Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) acknowledged both rallies, but contrary to the announcement, the participants began to slow down traffic on Margit Bridge. Therefore, the BRFK took the necessary measures to ensure the continuity of traffic.

Photo: Police.hu

According to an update on the police.hu website shortly after 10:30 a.m., police filed reports of violations against eight taxi drivers on Margit Bridge and issued on-the-spot fines in six cases. Two taxis were removed from Andrássy Avenue, and their drivers were reported for violations. Traffic is currently flowing smoothly everywhere, police reported.

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