Taxi chaos in Ischia: the mayor responds with a heavy hand and opens the taxi ranks to NCCs.

Tensions remain high on the island of Ischia, where the conflict between the municipal administration and the taxi industry has now escalated into a public standoff. Following the protests that erupted yesterday morning, July 17, over the closure of two historic taxi ranks on Via Alfredo De Luca, taxi drivers staged a new demonstration today, once again paralyzing traffic in the city center.

Mayor Enzo Ferrandino's reaction was swift. With Ordinance No. 118, signed and published this morning, he introduced extraordinary measures to address the suspension of non-scheduled public transport by taxi drivers, describing it as "not previously communicated to the Authority" and causing "significant inconvenience to users."

As a temporary and urgent measure, chauffeur-driven rental vehicles (NCC) will now be able to use taxi stands exclusively for picking up and dropping off passengers, charging taxi fares. This measure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until the taxi service interruption ends, but no later than 72 hours, unless expressly extended.

The decision represents a clear shift in the administration's stance, which appears intent on keeping the service running at all costs. "The Municipality of Ischia," the ordinance states, "is a highly touristic location: we cannot afford to leave residents and visitors without internal connections."

This isn't the first time taxi drivers have attempted to oppose the City Council's decisions. Previously, this occurred over the reorganization of parking spaces at the port and the creation of a waiting area at the former Guerra parking lot. In that case, after a rocky start, the category eventually accepted the new rules. This time, however, the reaction appeared more visceral and less coordinated.

Many, in fact, argue that the mobilization was led by a minority more interested in visibility than in a true collective struggle. "Participation in the march," observes one industry insider, "was more of a gesture of internal solidarity than a true sharing of the arguments being shouted on social media and in the cameras."

Meanwhile, the Municipality has imposed a strict policy. No retreat, but rather a pragmatic opening to NCC drivers to fill the void left by the striking taxis. The Municipal Police and law enforcement agencies have been assigned to oversee the situation, while the ordinance has been forwarded to the Prefecture and the trade associations.

The situation remains tense. On one side, a sector complains of being "pushed to the margins," on the other, an administration asserts its right and duty to ensure continuity of public services. With summer in full swing, and the island crowded with tourists, Ischia is witnessing yet another short circuit between institutions and operators. And this time, the consequences are being felt even on the roadside.