Chilean cabbies block traffic in protest against Uber

May 13, 2016 | 15:19

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Thousands of Chilean taxi drivers honked their horns and blocked traffic on Thursday in a protest against ridesharing service Uber.

Taxi drivers demonstrate in Alameda Avenue against US cab giant Uber in Santiago, Chile. Uber smartphone app has faced stiff resistance from traditional taxi drivers the world over, as well as bans in some places over safety concerns and questions over legal issues. (MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP)

SANTIAGO: Thousands of Chilean taxi drivers honked their horns and blocked traffic on Thursday (May 12) in a protest against ridesharing service Uber.

Uber's service is not regulated in Chile, but the government considers it illegal. The government responded to the protest saying it is up to Congress to pass a law addressing Uber and another ridesharing app used in Chile, called Cabify.

Long lines of black and yellow taxis filled several blocks along Santiago's main avenue, the Alameda, causing traffic jams in the city of six million. The cars were decorated with the red, white and blue Chilean flag, and their windshields were painted with the words "Uber, get out."

Taxi drivers complain that Uber amounts to unfair competition, as they have to pay taxes and follow strict regulations. "We never thought we would attract so many people and co-workers. This shows that we are not wrong," said the head of the national taxi drivers union, Luis Reyes.

The government said it is up to Congress to act. "We cannot block the apps," said the deputy minister for urban transport, Matias Salazar. "Today, the role of Congress is key."

A month ago, a Chilean court threw out a lawsuit filed by a taxi driver against the government for not suspending Uber.

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