Taxi drivers continue their protests in Yerevan, this time targeting YandexTaxi

ArmInfo. Drivers of the Armenian online taxi service held another protest in Yerevan, this time addressing their complaints to Yandex Taxi.

Mesrop Manukyan, a member of the Yerevan City Hall Council of Elders from the Mother Armenia faction told reporters  that they had previously submitted some of their demands to the Armenian government, with whom they are currently negotiating directly. Now, as the Council of Elders member noted, the protesters intend to resolve specific issues with Yandex Taxi.

According to Manukyan, the complains include: mapping Errors: Drivers report that the app's navigation often fails to reflect reality, leading to unavoidable traffic violations and subsequent fines; vanishing tips- serious concerns were raised regarding passengers' digital tips, which drivers claim frequently "disappear" from their accounts without explanation; infrastructure access- protesters are demanding that Yandex negotiate with "Yerevan Bus" CJSC to allow taxi drivers to utilize dedicated bus lanes to ease congestion; unfair penalties- drivers allege they are being flagged for "false violations"-such as claims of dirty vehicles-which negatively impact their internal ratings.

"Let me remind you that according to the Constitution of Armenia, workers have the right to strike.  However, since then, pressure has been put on drivers: their ability to work is being blocked and their ratings are being lowered," the Council of Elders member added. During the protest, a Yandex.Taxi representative came down to the protesters and agreed to meet with Manukyan and several taxi drivers to hear their complaints.

Recall, previously, taxi drivers held a protest at Yerevan's Brazil Square and started collecting signatures for a collective petition demanding better working conditions.  They submitted the petition to  the Armenian government. The online taxi drivers demanded protection of their rights. Specifically, they wanted the government to consider the profits of online taxi companies, reduce high interest rates, and ensure that drivers are officially registered as employees. This will allow them to receive pensions in the future and become beneficiaries of the Universal Health Insurance Fund.