A Fine Gael TD has urged the Government to take steps to support the expansion of the taxi industry, with a particular emphasis on rural communities.
Deputy Michael Murphy, who chairs the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, said a national taxi strategy is needed to tackle the main challenges facing the sector, reports Breaking News.
“During Transport Committee hearings, we have heard extensive evidence on taxi availability, accessibility, rural coverage, passenger experience, and driver income sustainability, reports Breaking News.
“When people cannot get a taxi, it affects their access to work, healthcare, education, tourism, and socialising. That problem is particularly felt at night, in rural Ireland, and by people with disabilities, reports Breaking News.
“We need to support more drivers to enter and remain in the sector, maintain high safety standards, and ensure passengers can trust what they are being charged,” reports Breaking News.
Deputy Murphy said the proposed strategy should prioritise better availability during peak periods and in rural areas, improved accessibility in practice, and a fair and transparent system for both drivers and passengers.
“Any strategy must look at supply, licensing, pricing, and long-term sustainability of the sector, reports Breaking News.
“A national strategy that ensures more availability and reliability will benefit drivers and passengers alike. We need to hear directly from stakeholders about how more drivers can be encouraged into the sector, reports Breaking News.
“Reliability, safety, accessibility, and transparency must be at the heart of any action taken,” Deputy Murphy said, reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
