St. Veit Wiesenmarkt taxi pricing sparks controversy

Visitors to the Wiesenmarkt event in St. Veit an der Glan have reported significant price discrepancies from out-of-town taxi drivers. Reports indicate that some drivers have charged up to 60 euros for distances as short as five kilometers, whereas local drivers have offered similar trips for approximately 18 euros.

The high costs are attributed to out-of-town taxis including their travel expenses to the event area in the final fare, a practice that is permitted during large events with over 3,000 simultaneous visitors. Because St. Veit lacks a binding taxi tariff, pricing remains subject to free negotiation and current fuel costs.

Christian Theuermann, head of the transport professional group at the Wirtschaftskammer, stated that the organization is developing informational materials to advise visitors. He noted that customers have the right to ask for an approximate price in advance, which drivers are obligated to provide. The professional group plans to monitor the first Wiesenmarkt weekend and discuss the issue at a meeting scheduled for September 30.