The Italian Competition Authority has raised concerns about the taxi services in Rome, Milan, and Naples, highlighting significant issues that negatively impact customers, particularly in terms of service quality and efficiency.

Following an analysis of responses from the municipalities to a request for information sent in August, the Authority found a structural inadequacy in the number of active taxi licenses compared to the demand. This has resulted in a backlog of unprocessed requests and excessively long waiting times for customers seeking taxi services.

Currently, there are 7,962 active licenses in Rome, which translates to 2.8 licenses per 1,000 residents; 4,853 in Milan, or 3.5 licenses per 1,000 residents; and 2,364 in Naples, equating to 2.6 licenses per 1,000 residents. The Authority is calling for municipalities to adjust the number of licenses to better align with demand, suggesting an increase beyond the 20% cap established by the Assets Decree.

To enhance service quality, the Authority recommends implementing additional measures, such as the second driver rule, which is currently in effect in Rome and Milan but not in Naples, as well as promoting taxi sharing and improving shift efficiency. Furthermore, the Authority emphasizes the need for effective monitoring of the taxi service's adequacy and the implementation of control mechanisms to ensure transparency in service provision.