LetsTravelRome

Italian taxi drivers protest, jam Rome.

Tuesday 18 July 2006

On Monday, over 2,000 drivers protested against the government’s plans to liberalize the taxi service. In Rome, the airport and main train station were deserted of taxis.

Milan, Turin and Bologna taxi drivers only responded to emergency calls.

Civil Service Minister Luigi Nicolais invited suggestions for improving the centre-left government’s bill, but refused withdrawal.

The proposed bill breaks the monopoly status of local taxi federations. It allows municipal administrations to increase the number of taxi licenses issued.

Particularly controversial was a measure which would have allowed the entry of private firms.

Protestors were concerned that the reform would destroy the value of their taxi licenses, currently traded for as much as 200,000 euros, or passed on to children.

At 40,000, the Italian fleet of taxis is the smallest in Europe.

Official statistics show that for a thousand inhabitants there are 2.1 taxis in Rome, compared to 8.3 in London.

Lets-Travel-Rome.com

posted by Les Sheppard @ 9:30 AM