On April 13, licensed taxi drivers in Latvia will hold a protest in Riga to express their grievances against the ride-sharing platform 'Bolt.' Organizers, including Ella Petrova, the chair of the Licensed Passenger Carriers Development Association (LPKAA), stated that approximately 500 taxi drivers have already signed up to participate. During the 24-hour protest, the drivers will disconnect from the 'Bolt' app and will not accept trips, aiming to draw attention to the challenges they are facing in the industry.

The unrest among taxi drivers is largely attributed to what they describe as Bolt's aggressive policies, which they argue have significantly hampered fair competition in the transportation sector. The situation has been exacerbated by a noticeable drop in the number of licensed taxi cards issued in Riga, with more than 600 licenses reportedly lost as local drivers struggle to compete against the dominant presence of the Bolt platform. The taxi associations are calling for more responsible action from authorities to ensure fair play within the industry.

The protest aims to highlight not only the struggles of local taxi drivers but also the broader implications of ride-sharing services becoming dominant without adequate regulations. The organized effort reflects concerns about the future sustainability of the taxi industry in Latvia and strives to push for reforms that protect local businesses and ensure fair competition in the transport market.