Yerevan councilor backs taxi drivers protesting fees and taxes

Online taxi drivers protested outside the Armenian government headquarters on Tuesday, demanding lower commission fees from ride-hailing companies and changes to tax policies, as a Yerevan city council member accused the authorities of ignoring their concerns.

The drivers said ride-hailing platforms charge commissions exceeding 10%, while the state also levies a 5% tax, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. They called for platform commissions to be capped at 10%.

“It is absurd that the rights of 120,000 drivers are being violated and no one in the government is aware of it,” opposition councilor Mesrop Manukyan told protesters, questioning whether officials had a financial interest in the platforms.

Protesters said they had collected 700 signatures over two days and submitted a petition to the government. They said they were received by Labour and Social Affairs Minister Arsen Torosyan, but described the meeting as unproductive.

Drivers said they did not want to feel “deceived” while others profited at their expense. One protester warned that if their demands were not met, they would consider blocking traffic in the capital.

Participants also called for formal recognition as registered workers, saying this would allow them to access Armenia’s universal health insurance system.

Drivers further questioned the influence of Russian ride-hailing company Yandex in Armenia, asking whether the government or the company was effectively in charge of regulating the sector.