Taxi Strike

[Corfusoon]

Hi All

There is a major Taxi strike in Corfu at the moment. Today somehow they have managed to blockade the runway!

This has a knock on effect to the coach companies too.

I suggest you consider this on the way in and out. Pack a snack, water and mozzy repellant. Though the Mozzies haven't been bad at all. It's probably too hot!

[Eggy]

Thanks Frank -

Good info which will be passed on to Eileen and all others I know are here.

( If they can do it once then.............. )
Negg

[Erja]

How frustrating for travellers and the news are not encouraging:

http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_01/08/2011_400651

Police on Crete fired tear gas to disperse cabbies who had blocked the road to Iraklio Airport.

There were also delays for several hours on the Athens-Patra highway at Rio due to a protest there by cabbies.

Also in Athens News:

http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/9/45651

The dispute between the government and striking taxi owners escalated to open warfare on Monday, with the protests becoming more hardline and dozens of key roads, airports and ports throughout the country in a state of siege.

A second meeting on Monday morning between Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Minister Yiannis Ragousis with representatives of the taxi owners national federation Sata again resulted in deadlock.

[maizetina]

Oh dear we had decided to jump in a cab when we arrive on Friday. We have booked through Thomas cook so we are on a coach transfer but a bit hesitant in how long this will take. Has anyone travelled with Thomas cook recently? If so how long did the transfer take?
Thanks in advance
Dave

[Sandy x]

At least you'll get there eventually with the coach transfer.....I feel sorry for independent travellers who are relying on the taxis.....

[JohnTheRef&Dot]

maizetina (Dave)
Transfer three weeks ago was 40 min aprox but we were first drop off, direct to Arillas 
Have been on other transfers that have taken in Sidari and San Stef which proved to be a lot longer.(2 hrs +)
But with Taxi's on strike the coach transfer may be your only option.
Sit back enjoy the ride and Arillas will soon be upon the horizon.
Have a Fab time.

[Ang]

 Well said John..[quote aut
But with Taxi's on strike the coach transfer may be your only option.
Sit back enjoy the ride and Arillas will soon be upon the horizon.
Have a Fab time.
[/quote]

[maizetina]

Many thanks for the replies, 40 minutes sounds promising but if it is the 2+ hours I'm sure it will be worth the wait !! We are staying at the mirage, our last visit to Arillas was 14 years ago so we cannot wait.

[justphil]

Wise words John. It was only the Olympic transfers that were notorious for the Roda route.

Like Sandy I feel sorry for the independents. Bobby and Spiros did everything they could for their guests, driving their personal pickup and car to transfer guests, but sometimes the property owners just can't cope with the times and numbers.

In any case you need to be in touch with your accommodation owners before you go, for advice.

phil
btw maixetina, if you like seafood, try the Sagnaki Prawns at Mirage. I loved them.

[Erja]

Encouraging news today

http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_04/08/2011_401152

"Taxi owners and drivers are expected to announce an end to their 18-day strike on Friday after appearing to reach a temporary compromise with regional governors Thursday over the issuing of new licenses.

Cabbies are due to hold an emergency meeting at 10 a.m. on Friday after the head of the taxi owners' union (SATA), Thymios Lyberopoulos, appeared pleased by the outcome of his talks with the 13 regional governors Thursday."

[Nan]

Good news ..... but will it be too late for maizetina?

Good luck with the transfer and enjoy Arillas when you get there.

Cheers Nan x