The government took steps this week to increase the supply of cabs after months of shortages, but critics say the problems with the industry run deeper.
By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - Finding a taxi in Rome these days is about as hard as catching a cool breeze in the heat-drenched Italian capital..
Finding a taxi in Rome these days is about as hard as catching a cool breeze in the heat-drenched Italian capital. As temperatures approach record highs in the city, people seeking a cab at the central station have reported having to wait well over an hour in scorching sunlight, while taxi ranks dotted across the city often lie deserted. Rome, along with other Italian cities, have long experienced shortages of cabs, with the powerful taxi lobbies resisting efforts to issue more licences or fully embrace the arrival of ride-hailing competitors like Uber and Lyft.
Uber has integrated its ride-hailing app with Italy s leading taxi dispatch service itTaxi as part of a new deal now on offer in more than 90 Italian cities.