Algiers taxis, refuges of freedom of expression
True spaces for expression in a country sorely lacking in them, the Algerian capital's taxis have functions that go beyond those of traditional means of transportation, reports the website "Twala." Without filters, away from prying ears, passengers discuss politics, criticize the social order, and offer life advice.
In front of the Air Algérie headquarters, across from Place Audin [in Algiers], the group of passengers waiting for a taxi continues to grow. They all look towards the exit of the Faculty tunnel, from which taxis emerge like a drainpipe, one by one, after long minutes of waiting.
Barely out of the tunnel, taxi drivers begin waving their hands: left, right, or straight ahead. If the passenger's destination isn't on their route, there's no point in stopping. This destination is either decided by a passenger already in the vehicle, or by the driver himself when he's not transporting anyone. Others, forced to drop off a customer, stop at Place Audin and see their vehicles immediately surrounded.
“Didouche, Hydra, Golf?” Everyone reveals their destination, hoping to be the chosen passenger. Some look almost pleading. An elderly woman has been waiting for several minutes. Her back slightly hunched, she holds a bassinet in her left hand and waves with her right to each passing taxi. Yet another stops alongside her. “Hydra?” she asks, leaning out the passenger window.
The driver nods, the lady and three other passengers, who were listening, immediately take their seats.
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