Italian taxi drivers are set to stage a two-day strike on June 5 and 6, coinciding with the European elections. The unions representing the drivers have called for government action to regulate the sector through decrees. This follows a previous strike on May 21 where drivers protested against illegal activities in the sector and demanded greater regulation of technology platforms.
The unions emphasize the importance of the public taxi service for both residents and users, arguing that this role must be protected from purely profit-driven motives that threaten jobs and user guarantees. While strikes may cause inconvenience to users, the unions argue that their actions are necessary to address ongoing challenges in the industry.
As summer approaches, demand for taxis increases in major cities, making it increasingly clear that there is a shortage of white cars. Data from Istat shows that there are just under 23 thousand taxis operating in provincial capitals in Italy. The Transport Regulatory Authority reports varying numbers of active licenses across different cities, with some facing significant supply shortages. Reforms and increased issuance of licenses have been called for to address these challenges.
Consumer associations have criticized continuous strikes by taxi drivers, calling for a comprehensive reform of the sector. They argue that restrictions separating taxi drivers from other transport services should be repealed by government action. Despite differing perspectives on the strikes, addressing supply shortages and meeting user demand remains a pressing issue for Italy’s taxi industry.
