The Regional Council of the Region of Crete approved the issuance of a resolution concerning the existing legal framework for passenger transport, the enforcement of legislation, and the monitoring of carrying capacity, during its session in Heraklion.
The resolution will be forwarded to the Prime Minister, the competent Ministries of Infrastructure and Transport, Development, and Tourism, as well as to the Members of Parliament from Crete. It addresses the need for legislative adjustments to the framework governing public transport services, tackling service poaching, and ensuring conditions of healthy competition in the passenger transport sector.
The rationale behind the decision highlights the role of public passenger vehicles within Cretes transport network, as well as the importance of smooth transport operations for residents daily life and visitor services. Additionally, it references the pressures observed on the road network, particularly in areas of high tourist activity, and the connection of transport to the islands overall carrying capacity.
Special attention is given to the need to enforce existing legislation for both public passenger vehicles and private vehicles with drivers, aiming to ensure compliance with operational rules. In this context, the Regional Council calls for strengthening and activating the inspection mechanisms of the competent authorities, so that legality is guaranteed across all transport services.
According to the resolution, the issue of passenger transport is directly linked to the quality of services provided, travel safety, and the functionality of urban and tourist areas. It is also noted that rational regulation and monitoring of activities contribute to traffic management and prevent further strain on infrastructure.
During the Regional Council discussion, the requests of the Heraklion Taxi Owners Association were presented, which served as the basis for drafting the resolution. In the final text, as approved, the Council requests the enforcement of existing legislation and adherence to operational rules by all transport service providers, without exceptions.
The decision is part of a broader reflection on mobility in Crete, during a period when increased tourist activity intensifies the need for coordination, monitoring, and legal clarity. The resolution acts as a formal intervention by the highest collective body of the Region, aiming to elevate the issue to a central level and initiate the necessary actions by the State.
