An alarming incident unfolded in Athens when a taxi driver threatened to assault four 17-year-old passengers after they refused to pay an inflated fare. The teenagers, rushing to catch a ferry from Piraeus port for their summer holidays, had hailed a taxi from the Kifissos intercity bus station (KTEL Kifissou). What should have been a routine ride quickly turned into a distressing ordeal.
Escalating Demands and Threats
The driver initially demanded €40 for a journey that normally costs between €11 and €17. When he claimed traffic delays justified a further increase, he doubled the price to €80. According to the mother of one of the teens, who spoke to MEGA TV: “On the way, he said there was traffic — you’ll pay €80. Luckily, my son called me right away. I told him not to pay anything. My husband then called the driver and warned him we’d contact the police — and asked for his license number.”
Forced Exit and Physical Intimidation
When the teenagers stood their ground, the driver insisted they hand over the €40 and exit the vehicle mid-journey. He escalated his aggression, hurling insults and threatening physical violence. One teen recounted: “He called me ill-mannered and said he’d ‘beat me senseless.’ He stood in front of the open hood, blocking us from taking down the license plate — so he drove off with the trunk still open.”
Broader Concerns Over Taxi Practices
This case is part of a growing pattern of fare gouging by some taxi drivers in Greece. Passengers increasingly report incidents where drivers exploit urgency — such as missed ferries or flights — to demand exorbitant sums. Citizens are urging authorities to strengthen oversight and enforcement to prevent similar abuses.