ROME - The Italian capital is facing a significant transportation crisis that threatens its reputation and functionality.

 The recent social media outcry from Crispian Balmer, a Reuters correspondent, has brought this issue into the limelight, highlighting the severe inadequacies in the city's taxi services.

 He reported waiting for 50 minutes for a taxi without success, ultimately concluding that Rome "does not deserve tourists" due to its failure to address this persistent problem. This sentiment resonates with many who find themselves stranded without reliable transportation in the Italian capital.

 Adding to the gravity of the situation, Balmer pointed out that the average income for taxi drivers in Rome last year was approximately €12,700, equating to around €240 per week. This statistic, coupled with his anecdotal evidence, paints a picture of a struggling service industry unable to meet demand.

 In response to Balmer's public criticism, Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, personally reached out to assure him that the city is actively working on solutions. Gualtieri informed Balmer that the city plans to issue 1,000 new taxi licenses and 2,000 licenses for Uber by December, aiming to improve the situation in time for the upcoming Jubilee. He acknowledged the bureaucratic hurdles but expressed optimism that changes would be evident by November.

 The taxi shortage is not a new issue for Rome. It has long plagued both residents and tourists, but recent events and the impending influx of visitors for the Ryder Cup have exacerbated the problem. The Ryder Cup, a major golf tournament, is expected to draw thousands of visitors, further straining the already inadequate taxi services.

 Chicco Testa, in his recent commentary, underscores that the problem has reached an "unacceptable" level. The lack of taxis has led to exorbitant costs for alternative services like Uber and private car hires (NCC), which are now tripled, making transportation prohibitively expensive for many.

 The taxi service is a crucial part of Rome's public transportation infrastructure. Its inadequacy not only inconveniences tourists but also impacts the daily lives of residents. For a city that prides itself on its historical and cultural significance, failing to provide basic transportation services diminishes its allure and functionality.

 Testa emphasizes that the city must increase the number of taxi licenses substantially. The proposed solutions, such as allowing dual drivers for the same vehicle, have seen little uptake and have not alleviated the problem. Immediate and effective measures are necessary to prevent the situation from deteriorating further, especially with the upcoming Jubilee, which will bring millions of pilgrims and tourists to the city.