WORLDWIDE TAXI FOCUS from Italy
ROME TO TACKLE TAXI SHORTAGE WITH NEW LICENCES AND FARE HIKES
The Italian capital is set to address its long-standing taxi crisis with the intro- duction of 1,000 new taxi licences. The move comes as Mayor Roberto Gualtieri aims to alleviate the chronic shortage of cabs that has plagued the city for years. The tender for the new licences will be released by the end of July, ahead of the anticipated influx of tourists and pilgrims for the Jubilee Year in 2025. Additionally, the city will implement a fare hike affecting the initial charge, minimum fare, and airport transfers. Rome will also introduce “seconde guide” supple- mentary shifts, increasing the overall number of taxis operating at any given time from 7,700 to nearly 9,200. The last batch of new licences was granted 20 years ago. The shortage has led to widespread complaints from residents and tourists. Mayor Gualtieri acknow- ledged the issue, stating the city desperately needs more taxis to alleviate the persistent long queues. The city has also announced a fare discount of 15% for women travelling alone at night and a 10% discount for passengers over 70.
from Ireland
TAXI FARES COULD RISE BY 9 PER CENT FOLLOWING REVIEW
Irish taxi fares are set for a potential 9% increase due to rising operational costs for drivers, according to the National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA is seeking public feedback on the proposal, which comes after a review highlighting increased labour and car expenses.
PHTM AUGUST 2024
This follows a 12% fare hike in 2022, with night fares rising even more (17%) to encourage driver availability during peak hours. However, the latest report shows a decrease in night-time taxi use. The review also considers Ireland's economic growth and associated inflation. A passenger survey suggests the rising cost of living may be affecting taxi demand, with fewer people using taxis and shorter trips being taken.
from China
TAXI MIRACULOUSLY ESCAPES PLUNGE INTO CHINESE SINKHOLE
A heart-stopping incident occurred on July 6 in Yuncheng City,
Shanxi
Province, when a taxi narrowly avoided plunging into a massive sinkhole that suddenly opened up in the middle of a busy intersection. Shocking footage captured the terrifying moment the taxi, carrying passengers, teetered on the brink of the chasm as the road beneath it collapsed. Eyewitnesses described the ground shaking violently before the vehicle’s front wheels disappeared into the gaping hole. Remarkably, the quick-thinking taxi driver, Mr. Li, managed to bring the car to a halt, preventing a potentially catastrophic accident. There were no reported injuries, but the incident caused significant traffic disruption. Initial investigations point to a ruptured underground drainage system as the cause of the collapse. The aging pipes, which had deteriorated, were unable to withstand the increased pressure from recent heavy rainfall. Emergency crews were swiftly dispatched to the scene to stabilise the damaged road and start repairs on the drainage system. Local authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and implement measures to occurrences in the future.
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