Taxis in Krasnodar are priced higher than usual.
In the city of Krasnodar, residents are facing a steep increase in taxi fares, a consequence of frequent internet outages that disrupt navigation and payment systems. According to local taxi company owner Konstantin Manukyan, the owner of "Elvis Taxi" taxi park, the cost of a ride has doubled, despite the discounts he has had to offer.
The root cause of these internet disruptions can be traced back to government-imposed restrictions, aimed at preventing Ukrainian drones from using mobile networks for targeting. These shutdowns, which can last for hours or even days, have a ripple effect on local services and businesses, including taxis.
Without access to GPS navigation apps and digital payment systems, taxi drivers face challenges in finding efficient routes, leading to longer rides and increased costs. Cashless payments often fail, forcing reliance on cash, causing logistical issues that can drive up prices. The operational disruptions are further compounded by the uncertainty and frustration expressed by drivers on communication platforms when maps go offline.
Street taxi drivers, taking advantage of these circumstances, are quoting fares as high as 700 rubles for a ride from a station to certain destinations, such as a specific TV company or a stadium. This is significantly higher than the 254 rubles quoted via an online aggregator for the same journey under normal circumstances.
The high fares quoted by street taxi drivers may discourage people from using their services for certain trips, potentially leading to a lack of competition from online aggregators. In fact, the cost of a taxi ride can vary significantly due to internet restrictions, making walking a more cost-effective option for certain destinations, such as the stadium.
The lack of mobile internet is not only affecting taxi drivers but also couriers in Krasnodar. Residents are complaining about non-working LTE, payment terminals, and validators in public transport, adding to the general disruption caused by the outages.
The exact return of the internet to Krasnodar remains unknown, but the ongoing situation is causing concern about the affordability of transportation for some individuals. As the city continues to grapple with these challenges, residents are left navigating the city's streets and paying for their rides in a landscape shaped by digital unavailability.
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