It’s turning out to be a rough week here in the Eternal City. For months Rome’s taxi fleet has been jockeying for a substantial increase in fares (25%) by means of citywide taxi strikes that make transport difficult, if not, at times, downright impossible. Yesterday, 28 November, the mayor’s office countered the demand of Rome’s tassisti by offering them an 18% fare increase, while at the same time announcing the distribution of 500 new taxi licenses.
Though for 6 of the 8 working hours of the day it’s impossible to find a taxi in this town, cab drivers are adamantly opposed to the issuing of more taxi licenses. Thus, upon hearing the mayoral pronouncement yesterday, representatives of the taxi companies stormed our of their meeting and called an immediate wildcat (wildcab?) strike. Hundreds of taxis blocked Piazza Venezia, the most important crossroads in the city center, making it virtually impossible for public or private vehicles to pass through the city.
Today saw more of the same, while tomorrow a national transportation strike affecting buses, subways, ships, and planes is on tap. So, we’re sitting tight here in the eCool compound!
