Ride hailing services are viewed as disruptors of the traditional dated way of travelling on taxis or cabs, they have been seen to be a welcome introduction for the 100 year old industry. However resistance is bound to occur in this case the incumbents are not taking it lying down, especially in Italy.

As demonstrated by taxi drives in Europe the day Uber stepped into the continent, the cartel of drivers who make a considerable living plying the historic sites in Rome, Paris and London have been protesting to authorities of unfair tactics by the service operator. Which has now lead to Italy, the first country in Europe to kick Uber out or face a penalty for every single day they continue to operate. The US based tech company has been accused of using investor funds to subsidise trips when using the service, leaving taxi drivers at an disadvantage, the same is being touted to be happening in Malaysia. However, SPAD (local transport authority) has been having deep discussion with various stake holders and have come to a conclusion with a central registry for ride sharing drivers.

Back in Italy, the courts found convincing evidence over Uber soliciting unlicensed drivers which is deemed under Italian law as illegal. In a statement filed, the operator has vowed to appeal the case, the company has yet to be profitable and has been bleeding since inception.