The highlanders were furious with the competition. They regularly report to the police

Higher application prices, pepper spray incidents and violations of traffic regulations in the Tatra Mountains are controversial. The police have their hands full and the war on the transport market continues.

Cheaper with Uber near the Tatra Mountains? Not really

Since the arrival of Uber and Bolt in Zakopane last fall, the competition with local taxi drivers has been intensifying. Despite initial promises of lower prices, customers increasingly report that rides from the app are more expensive than traditional services. Example? The route from the station to the guesthouse cost the Onet journalist PLN 39 by Uber, while a traditional taxi driver charged PLN 35 for the same route – although without issuing a receipt.

The Uber driver couldn’t stand it. Pepper spray was used

On January 11, the conflict escalated. The Uber driver, fearing aggressive behavior of passengers, used pepper spray. The row started when, after changing the price of the ride, customers decided to cancel the trip. The police were called to the scene, identified the participants of the incident and informed both parties about their rights. However, no notification was submitted.

Uber in Zakopane. Ski transport incident

Another incident involving app drivers involved transporting skis in a way that endangered safety. The Uber driver placed the ski equipment on the passengers’ laps, with some of it sticking out of the open window. This type of transport violates the regulations and may result in a fine of up to PLN 3,000. The police are looking for a driver who endangered both passengers and other road users.

Highlanders vs. Uber. A gang war with denunciations in the background

People involved in the transport industry in Zakopane claim that local taxi drivers regularly report Uber drivers to the police, catching their every mistake. However, local authorities assure their impartiality. Officers respond to all reports – both those regarding traditional taxis and transport applications.

– For some time now we have been receiving more than usual reports from passenger transport drivers in Zakopane – said in an interview with onet.pl. staff. Roman Wieczorek from the Zakopane police.

Illegal license plates and consequences

A few days ago, one of Uber’s cars was parked in a police parking lot for using illegal license plates. The driver explained that his original plates had been stolen and he had used illegal copies. The police reminds that using such plates is a crime, regardless of the circumstances.