Naples, Italy – As Christmas approaches, the festive spirit is overshadowed by growing frustration among Naples taxi drivers. They have resorted to a striking and ironic protest, plastering posters on their cabs to highlight the city’s crippling traffic congestion and its detrimental impact on their livelihoods.
Ironic Posters Depict Santa Claus with Empty Bag
Hundreds of taxis, caught in endless queues between Piazza Garibaldi and Via Marina, displayed provocative posters yesterday. The imagery features a weary Santa Claus, flanked by the iconic Maschio Angioino and Vesuvius, holding two sacks: one overflowing with traffic, the other starkly empty, symbolizing their lack of earnings.
This visual protest is the latest in a tumultuous year for urban mobility in Naples. Over the past twelve months, the taxi industry has repeatedly challenged Palazzo San Giacomo, the city hall, arguing that the paralyzed road network has made it impossible to provide adequate service.
A Year of Unresolved Conflicts with the Administration
The drivers’ grievances span from spring protests against the expansion of Limited Traffic Zones (ZTLs) to fierce summer disputes over tourist flow management and the scarcity of protected bus lanes. Dialogue with the city administration has reached an all-time low.
The posters sarcastically thank Mayor Manfredi and Councillor Cosenza for their ‘Christmas gift’. The drivers point fingers at endless construction sites and a traffic management strategy that, according to unions, penalizes those who spend ten hours a day on the road. “The more time we spend stuck in traffic, the fewer rides we can complete. Customers are unhappy, and we can’t bring home a decent salary,” explained drivers from various taxi stands.
Key Protests and Issues Faced by Taxi Drivers in 2025:
- April Strikes: Focused on the lack of controls against unauthorized taxi services.
- October Assemblies: Protesting new licenses and inadequate road maintenance.
- Major Event Chaos: Taxis often found it impossible to reach critical city hubs during large events, disrupting service.
As Naples prepares for a surge in visitors for New Year’s Eve, tensions remain high. Santa’s ’empty sack’ serves as a stark warning: without a comprehensive traffic plan, 2026 risks beginning just as 2025 is ending – amidst blaring horns and widespread resignation.
The taxi drivers’ collective action underscores a deep-seated dissatisfaction with urban planning and its direct impact on their daily work and financial stability. The city faces a critical challenge in balancing urban development with the needs of its public transport sector.
Source: https://www.cronachedellacampania.it/2025/12/napoli-il-natale-amaro-dei-tassisti-locandine-choc/
