Naples – The Association of Basic Taxi Drivers, led by President Ettore Pascarella, has sent a formal note to Dr. Michele Attanasio, Director of the Road and Traffic Department of the City of Naples , and Dr. Eugenio Fusco, Head of the Traffic Office, to report several inconsistencies found in recent executive ordinances adopted for public events in the city.
In the communication, the association contests the limitations on access imposed on non-scheduled public transport, namely taxis and rental cars with drivers, during demonstrations and events taking place in the city. "This is an essential service," Pascarella emphasizes, "which guarantees continuous and accessible mobility to all citizens, including the most vulnerable and those who cannot use traditional public transport."
The association is targeting the apparent disparity in treatment: while on the one hand the ordinances provide guaranteed access for residents, disabled people with a permit, Civil Protection and other categories, on the other they prevent free circulation for non-scheduled public service vehicles, which remain excluded from the exemptions.
“In light of the current European legislation on passenger transport – the note reads – which protects the continuity and accessibility of the service, especially in urban areas, we believe that a review of the criteria currently adopted by the Municipality of Naples is necessary”.
The association therefore requests a remodulation of future ordinances, so that "the full operation of non-scheduled public transport is guaranteed, in compliance with the rights of citizens and European legislation". The request ends with the hope of a prompt response from the administration, for a resolution that does not further penalize a sector already put to the test.
The idea that taxi drivers can't operate freely is a bit strange, and even if there are rules, I think it's important to find a way to make them work well. They should always be included.