Taxi Drivers Strike in Florence Amid NCC Dispute

Taxi drivers in Florence are on strike today, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, to protest what they describe as a widespread and unchecked increase in illegal operations by private hire drivers (noleggio con conducente, or NCC). The strike follows months of tension over the growing presence of NCC vehicles in the city—many of them working with licenses issued in other provinces or entirely without authorization.

According to the main taxi unions organizing the protest, including Uritaxi Firenze, Unica Taxi Cgil, Ugl Taxi Firenze, Sitafi Federtaxi Cisal, and Confartigianato Taxi Firenze, these operators are violating national regulations by offering continuous service in Florence without proper local permits. Despite repeated reports to city and regional authorities, the unions say there has been little response, allowing what they consider unfair and illegal practices to spread.

The protest, however, comes at a time when Florence is also grappling with its own structural weaknesses in urban transport. In recent months, particularly during peak hours and major tourist flows, the city has experienced recurring shortages of available taxis. As Florence Daily News previously reported, passengers at Santa Maria Novella station and other key locations have often faced long waits or found no taxis at all. The situation has sparked frustration among both residents and visitors, fueling a broader debate over how to modernize and expand Florence’s transport options.

NCC drivers and their associations have been pressing local authorities to allow them to cover part of the demand that taxis are currently unable to meet. They argue that Florence’s current taxi fleet is insufficient, especially during large events or summer weekends, and that relaxing some of the rules would provide a legal and efficient solution to the gap in service.

Taxi drivers, on the other hand, reject this interpretation, claiming that what is presented as competition or flexibility is, in reality, a form of unauthorized and unregulated activity that undermines those who operate within the law. They also point to increasing episodes of verbal and physical aggression against taxi drivers, which they attribute to the tense climate created by the lack of enforcement and clear rules.

The strike is affecting taxi services across the city today, with major disruptions expected at key hubs such as train stations and the airport.

Support Florence Daily News

Florence Daily News is an independent news site covering the stories, culture, and life of Florence and Tuscany. We don’t rely on clickbait, invasive or hidden advertising, or paywalls. Instead, we believe in quality journalism that respects our readers and serves those who care about thoughtful, local reporting.

If you value our work, consider supporting us with a donation.

Donate securely via Stripe below.