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Free Now App in Rome

I seem to be having trouble with the Free Now taxi service in Rome.

Twice when I have ordered a taxi, they were unable to find a driver. The first time I re-ordered, and we did get a driver. I did get a charge on my credit card however for the first unfulfilled order, however. I emailed the app and they said they “proceeded with a verification of my payment” with a temporary hold of funds which would take a few days to release.

That made sense, but last night we ordered another taxi to get to dinner (had a reservation. We were also waiting at a bus stop). They could not find a driver. I waited a bit longer and tried again. Again, the app searched and searched, and while it did so, the bus finally came, and I cancelled the ride request. I was notified by my credit card company that the app charged me $16.32 for a ride that never materialized.

Is anyone else having this trouble? Might anyone have suggestions?

When it works, it seems great, but there seems to be a problem with driver availability, and it also seems that I am being charged the price of a cab ride just to order a cab — whether we actually take a trip or not.

We are trying to use buses, but their routes are somewhat cryptic as are their schedules.
I appreciate any insights or suggestions about using the app.

Thanks.

Posted by
10206 posts

To have a better idea of how to find buses (and other public transport in Rome), download and use the CityMapper app.

I wouldn’t touch this FreeNow app with a 10-foot pole. Charging when they don’t even show up ?? No thank you.

Posted by
3812 posts

Since you have internet connection, wouldn't be easier to install WhatsApp and contact cabs directly?

This the website of a cooperative of "only" 11 cars: https://065551.it/en/request-a-taxi-with-whatsapp-or-telegram/ but I am sure you can Google and find a bigger one.

Or, find the closest taxi rank On Google Maps? There are dozens in Central Rome.

We are trying to use buses, but their routes are somewhat cryptic as are their schedules.

Again, there's an app for that. Two app, if you also need to get tickets online: my Cicero and Moovit.

http://www.mycicero.eu/trasporto/index.html
or
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tranzmate&hl=en-US
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/moovit-public-transit/id498477945

Posted by
190 posts

I had trouble with the free now app in Rome as well. Recommend looking for taxi stands instead. You can search for them with Google maps.

Posted by
2682 posts

This is all interesting! I had similar trouble with it in Bordeaux.

I have loaded itTaxi onto my phone for this next trip of mine. Anyone have any reports on that working any better?