The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has launched a formal investigation into Bird Rides Italy S.r.l., EmTransit S.r.l., and Lime Technology S.r.l. over alleged unfair commercial practices in the provision of shared micromobility services within the Municipality of Rome.
The three companies—currently the only authorized operators for shared e-bikes and e-scooters in Rome for the 2023–2026 period—are suspected of hindering access to free ride packages reserved for holders of the annual Metrebus subscription, Rome’s public transport pass.
According to reports submitted to the Authority, Metrebus annual subscribers attempting to activate the free ride package (“Pass”) through their existing accounts or newly created ones have experienced unusually long waiting times before being able to use the benefit. Consumers who contacted customer service to request updates or file complaints allegedly received only generic or non-committal responses, urging them to wait for the activation process to be completed.
On 25 November, officials from the Authority, supported by the Guardia di Finanza’s Special Antitrust Unit, conducted inspections at the premises of all three companies as part of the investigation.
The inquiry will assess whether the operators’ conduct constitutes a misleading or unfair commercial practice detrimental to consumers’ rights and to the proper functioning of the micromobility service in Rome.