BEIRUT (Xinhua) – Chadi El Sayed, head of public drivers' group in Lebanon's Tripoli, on Monday called upon transport minister to allow public drivers to enter and work at the airport under the supervision of security forces.
"We are sure that the minister is well aware of our difficult financial situation and our need to work again at the airport," he was quoted by the National News Agency as saying.
"We are sorry to announce that we will be waging a peaceful sit-in in Tripoli for this purpose," he added.
Sayed said that public drivers are paying all their dues to the government including mechanic fees and transport permits which give them the right to transport people from and to any spot on the Lebanese territories.
Public Works and Transport Minister Ghazi Zeaiter issued a decision two years ago barring public drivers from entering the airport's arrivals level.
One of the most important reforms announced by the minister was the mandatory installation of a pricing chart visible to passengers.
Although the pricing resolution was issued two years ago, set charges and meters have not been available.
Tourists have complained that the new airport taxis are charging up to double the amount of other taxis for a trip.