Taxis on strike, Mayor Ferrandino opens the door to NCCs: "Public service must be guaranteed."

As Ischia's taxi drivers' strike continues, the municipal administration is taking action to ensure the continuity of non-scheduled public transport. An ordinance signed by Mayor Enzo Ferrandino authorized "the use of taxi spaces also for NCC (rental with driver) vehicles, with the applicable predetermined rates, thus ensuring the continuity of non-scheduled public transport."

The decision comes in response to the partial paralysis of taxi service on the island, following protests that erupted after the removal of taxi stalls on Via Alfredo De Luca, near Piazza Antica Reggia. This measure, adopted in recent days by the Municipal Police for safety and traffic flow reasons, has, however, sparked the ire of taxi operators.

Two days of marches, slow traffic, and signs and flyers circulating on the streets and social media have exposed the rift between the industry and the administration. Taxi drivers have said they've been "erased from the streets" and ignored by the authorities, demanding their right to be considered an integral part of the island's urban and tourist mobility.

But the City Council didn't give in. Resolutely committed to the continuity of service for residents and tourists, the administration decided to open the doors to NCCs. This exceptional and temporary measure allows them to pick up and drop off passengers in areas traditionally reserved for taxis, charging the same rates.

"We cannot allow the city to be left without public transportation," the administration announced, "especially during the height of the tourist season. Citizens and visitors must be able to count on reliable and regular connections."

Meanwhile, taxi drivers are not backing down. In a publicly released statement, the category reiterated its intention to continue the protest "with determination and dignity," including in the coming days. Informally authorized by the Deputy Police Commissioner to demonstrate without the three-day notice, they will continue to symbolically occupy Piazza Antica Reggia. They are demanding a direct meeting with the mayor, who, according to the Municipal Police, is not currently on the island but will be available to receive them starting Monday.

The risk now is that the institutional breakdown will also lead to a rift within the industry: not all taxi drivers, in fact, appear to share the heated tone and methods of protest. Between those demanding respect for the law and those seeking the spotlight, the crisis risks turning into a broader conflict over representation and the vision of public service from the streets.

Meanwhile, for citizens and tourists, the temporary solution is called NCC. With the blessing of the Municipality and at taxi rates.