Is the Italian taxi industry still highly regulated/restricted?
I am researching a trip to rural Tuscany in the summer. It might be necessary to get taxis around. How common are taxis in Italy/Tuscany?
Here in Ireland, the taxi industry used to be highly regulated /restricted, with very few taxi licences, resulting in long waits for the taxi. I've been researching and I've found some documentation saying as of a few years ago, taxis were still very regulated and rare.
Has the situation changed in the last 5 years or so? Has there been a mass deregulation of taxis in Italy /Tuscany? Or are taxis still very rare?
Best Answer
Taxi is not a common solution in Italy, at least not common as in other european countries like Ireland, England, Germany and Spain (just to mention those I visited).
It is mainly used by businessmen and tourists who doesn't want to waste time studying the other public transport solutions.
It is still a highly regulated/restricted field and there has been several strikes (an example here) when the parlament tried to change the current laws.
You can have an example of how much you would pay having a look at the fares of the taxi company of Pisa: COTAPI
From my experience you could have to wait a lot to take a taxi during taxi's peek hour (that is when other public transport solutions are not possible like very early in the morning and late in the night) while during the day you shouldn't have to wait that much.
You could experience some problems in finding a taxi in little villages (even those crowded by tourists) while in the cities the solutions will be far more.
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Why are taxis so regulated?
In nearly all cities, taxi fares are set by regulation. Fare regulation is designed to ensure predictability in the amount customers will be charged, to eliminate price gouging,2 and to ensure a reasonable return for owners and drivers.Is it safe to take a taxi in Italy?
Taxis are also a lot safer than taking very crowded buses in the height of the tourists season, when pickpockets work the buses all day long. Looking back, I wish I had taken photos of the drivers... I still remember their faces and smiles. By the way, unlike in Manhattan, every taxi driver was actually an Italian.Does Italy have taxis?
Taxis are a solid option, but Uber isn't Locals tell us that taxis in Italy are perfectly safe to use (although they can sometimes be expensive). Here's what locals in Italy say about using taxis (and Uber): Do not get into unlicensed cabs\u2014they're often targets for scams.How do I get a taxi Licence in Italy?
Not everyone can be a taxi driver: to become one in Italy people need to, among other things, be issued a certificate of professional competence; they need to buy a medallion (there is a limited number available in every city); they must not have a criminal record.Taxi, two days of strike Block all over Italy, march in Rome
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Images: Tim Samuel, Tim Samuel, jae park, Tom Fisk