Fair Taxi Rates and the Battle Against Unlicensed Drivers in Marsala

 The taxi drivers of Marsala are determined not to be associated with fleecing tourists. A recent incident where a lady claimed she was quoted 130 euros for a taxi ride from Marsala to Trapani-Birgi Airport caused a stir. The lady, having missed her train to Birgi, inquired about a taxi and was quoted an exorbitant price by a local taxi service. This outrageous price, however, is nowhere near the fixed fare for the Marsala to Birgi Airport route. Rocco Tranchida, a Marsala taxi driver and regional president of Cna Taxi, explains that there might have been a misunderstanding. Perhaps the call operator mistook the destination for Palermo Airport, where the fare is high due to the distance. This potential misunderstanding could explain the situation. So, how much does a taxi ride from Marsala to Birgi Airport actually cost? The fixed fare is 30 euros for up to four passengers. Larger groups require more spacious vehicles, which could lead to higher costs. This fixed fare was established some years ago by the municipality and taxi drivers to standardize prices and combat unlicensed drivers who apply their own "free" rates. Rocco Tranchida stresses, "If such an incident occurs, or if someone imposes excessive fares, we urge you to report it to the relevant authorities."

Around ten registered and licensed taxis are available in Marsala, bookable through a dedicated service number. Similarly, there are about ten taxi stands across the historic center, from the train station to Piazza della Vittoria, Monumento ai Mille, Piazza del Popolo, Porto, and the tourist port.

This incident of inflated pricing provides an opportunity to address the challenges faced by the taxi industry due to unfair competition from unlicensed drivers. "We've fought against unlicensed drivers on various occasions. We even filed a criminal complaint against an unlicensed driver who continues to operate," Tranchida explains. These unlicensed drivers would illegally affix a "taxi" sign to their vehicles' roofs and solicit passengers, as if at a market.

Borderline situations are not uncommon, even outside the city center. Dubious practices are evident, for example, with transfer services in kiteboarding zones. "Reporting instances of unlicensed operation protects a sector that pays taxes and ensures transparent costs for travelers. We have a taximeter that cannot be circumvented," adds the Cna representative.

The concluding summer has been quite positive for Marsala's taxi drivers, particularly during the period when Birgi Airport handled flights scheduled for Catania due to the temporary closure of Fontanarossa Airport. "We've gone to great lengths to accommodate as many travelers as possible, even with shared rides."

A taxi driver's life in Marsala is dynamic, especially during this season. However, safety concerns are not a problem here. While other cities have experienced instances of aggression against taxi drivers, Marsala remains an exception. "In Marsala, no, of course, there are always minor inconveniences, but it's normal, nothing violent." Taxi drivers cover a lot of ground and have the flexibility to take alternative routes to avoid traffic. Often, taxis traverse streets marred by waste and degradation, of which there are many in Marsala. "It's not a positive image for the city," Tranchida remarks. "I'm embarrassed, let alone what a visitor might think."