Naples – Controversy erupts in the Naples taxi industry following the City Council meeting on July 28, during which councilors Diego Paipais and Gennaro Esposito introduced a motion regarding non-scheduled public transportation.
The criticism leveled at taxi drivers, accusing them of inefficiencies, has prompted a reaction from the Association of Basic Taxi Drivers and Ciro Langella, the category's representative, who, in two separate documents sent to Mayor Gaetano Manfredi , Transport Councillor Edoardo Cosenza, and other institutional representatives, denounce the administration's abandonment of the sector and reject the idea of new licenses without a structural plan.
The accusations: "Poor service caused by the administration"
"The poor service in the taxi sector reflects the conditions imposed by the Municipality," thunders the Association of Basic Taxi Drivers. Workers emphasize the daily challenges: unmanageable traffic, perpetual construction sites, a shortage of parking spaces in tourist areas, and the lack of dedicated lanes and adequate parking areas.
“We operate in extreme conditions, in violation of European and Italian regulations on urban mobility,” the document states, pointing the finger at “years of poor planning, lack of investment, and the absence of a modern vision of transportation.”
Ciro Langella added fuel to the fire, expressing "disappointment and frustration" over the statements made by Councillor for Legality Antonio De Iesu and several councillors.
"The admission of staffing shortages in the municipal police force is evidence of a lack of strategy to manage the increased tourist influx," writes Langella, while denying the narratives of a tourism boom: "Newspapers report a 40% drop this year." This situation, combined with traffic chaos and poor public transportation, makes it impossible to guarantee an efficient service.
No to new licenses: "The current number is already sufficient."
Regarding the proposal to issue new taxi licenses, taxi drivers are categorical: "The current number is already higher than necessary," the Association states, citing a recent TAR ruling that would support this position.
The introduction of new licenses, without a plan to reform the sector, would risk "worsening the economic conditions of existing operators." Taxi drivers say they are ready to collaborate to improve service, but ask not to be used as a scapegoat for institutional inefficiencies.
Criticism also fell on Councilor De Iesu's statements, which he reportedly praised a multinational company already operating in Naples.
"It hasn't brought any concrete benefits to the industry," the Association retorts, emphasizing that taxi drivers affiliated with the platform face the same challenges as others. Langella adds: "It's unacceptable to praise foreign multinationals that operate without complying with regulations and laws, ignoring the problems of taxi drivers and citizens."
Road chaos and the absence of politics
Naples' traffic situation is at the center of the protests. "The city is a construction site, and public transportation isn't functioning as it should," Langella complains. "People talk about critical hours for finding a taxi, but no one addresses the traffic dilemma."
Taxi drivers complain about the lack of concrete solutions to streamline traffic, which could ease the pressure on non-scheduled public transportation. "We demand respect and attention," adds Langella, calling for transparent and efficient management of city services.
A Call for Responsibility
The Association and Langella invite the council and councilors to a "serious examination of conscience" on the role of the administration in ensuring a modern and efficient service.
"Before pointing fingers at us, consider institutional responsibilities," write the taxi drivers, who say they are open to dialogue but determined not to accept unjust accusations. Their request is clear: a structural road plan, investments in infrastructure, and a genuine dialogue to improve the sector, without shifting blame onto workers.
The protest by Neapolitan taxi drivers exposes the critical issues of a struggling sector, crushed between traffic chaos and administrative inertia. The response to the City Council's accusations is a cry of anger and a call for collaboration, with a warning: without structural reforms, the taxi service will not improve. It is now up to Mayor Manfredi and the city council to rise to the challenge, to prevent Naples from becoming trapped in a vicious cycle of poor service and controversy.
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The taxi industry in Naples appears to be in a difficult situation, with much criticism directed at taxi drivers. But perhaps the conditions in which they operate should also be considered, which are very challenging and do not favor good service.