The job has been named 'nightmare', and there are no taxi drivers available to operate it.

Recent attacks on commercial taxis have frightened shopkeepers and their families. Despite advertisements, taxi stands are struggling to find drivers.

'CABIN' CALL

Recently, the series of attacks on commercial taxis has started to unsettle drivers. Some drivers who have been attacked continue their duties because they have to work, while others prefer to quit the profession. Izmir is one of the cities where attacks on taxi drivers have increased. Due to this situation, there is a shortage of drivers in the city, especially during the night hours when attacks are frequent, and despite advertisements, taxi driving is not very appealing. Taxi drivers sometimes take precautions by being selective or avoiding picking up customers from unsafe areas. Drivers are waiting for the implementation of the "cabin" measure that could stop the attacks.

"NOBODY WANTS TO DO IT"

Taxi driver Samet Karamuk said, "We are anxious, our families are also very anxious." Karamuk expressed that they have become unable to work, stating, "We are having difficulty finding drivers. I am currently working alone. I had to work alone because there are no drivers. Nobody wants to do it. They are anxious because of their families. It is unclear who is getting in and who is getting out; it is also unclear what anyone will do. I work at night. While working at night, we try to protect ourselves by picking up customers in familiar places and generally certain profiles. We are trying to protect ourselves this way. Other than that, there is nothing we can do. Thank God I have not been attacked before. We are very scared at night; I mean, after a certain hour, between 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM, we feel anxious while working outside and picking up customers. A measure needs to be taken regarding this. In our opinion, this cabin issue needs to happen now," he said.

"WE ARE FORCED TO DO IT"

Another taxi driver, Ali Yüksek, said, "There are many attacks. We cannot carry any objects to defend ourselves, and the objects that are carried are considered weapons. People are hesitant to work in taxis; there is a shortage of drivers. While working at night, you become more selective as you drive. The place where you pick up the customer is very important; for example, there are problematic areas. We do not pick up passengers from those places. I have been caught in the middle of an armed conflict before. We are forced to do it. We will continue," he said.

"WE CALL NIGHT WORK A 'NIGHTMARE'"

Another taxi driver, Önder Özneşeli, said: "We have anxiety; it has been like this for a long time, especially at night. We call night work a 'nightmare.' You can't ask, 'Who are you?' You stop, you pick up; you don't know what will come out by chance. At night, we select customers a bit. We look at their appearance, as much as can be understood from their appearance. When someone looks very suspicious, I don't pick them up; we also avoid certain areas. A cabin must be built. There needs to be a security measure like in Europe. Otherwise, there is no safety at all. If these increase, some will quit, and they won't work. Why should they work? Isn't life more important?"