The National Transport Authority (NTA) has raised taxi fares by 9%, with the pre-booking fee increasing from €2 to €3, reports RTE.
A special premium rate that is typically applied during the Christmas and New Year holidays has now been extended to cover weekend peak times throughout the year, specifically on Friday and Saturday nights.
The extension of this premium rate aims to motivate taxi drivers to accept fares during busy nighttime hours, periods that drivers usually avoid due to issues with anti-social behaviour.
While the industry has largely welcomed these increases, some drivers express concerns that customers may already be feeling the financial strain and reconsidering their taxi bookings, reports RTE.
The nightlife advocacy group Give Us The Night and the Union of Students (USI) have advised those feeling the financial pinch to share taxis to ensure safe travel home.
Sunil Sharpe, a spokesperson for the group, noted that students enjoying nights out will be particularly impacted by these changes.
“Our suggestion for those using taxis is to plan your nightlife in advance,” he stated, reports RTE.
“Whenever possible, try to travel in groups of at least four, especially if you have a considerable distance to travel.”
The NTA conducts the National Maximum Taxi Fare Review approximately every two years to ensure taxi fares align with shifts in operating costs and to uphold the availability of taxi services throughout Ireland.
NTA Chief Executive Anne Graham remarked, “The biennial review conducted by the NTA is vital for maintaining the sustainability of the taxi industry and ensuring the provision of high-quality and reliable services,” reports RTE.
She continued, “This 9% rise accommodates the growing operational costs that drivers are facing while also considering the needs of the traveling public,” reports RTE.
Increase deemed necessary to cope with escalating costs
Dublin taxi driver Mick Keating stated that the fare increase, which took effect last Saturday, was essential to cope with rising expenses.
“I believe that we deserve it since the prices of petrol, diesel, and other expenses have surged significantly,” he said.
“While some individuals opposed the increase, arguing it is too costly, opinions among taxi drivers vary. Some are in favor, while others are not,” reports RTE.
Mr. Keating mentioned that drivers need to have their meters recalibrated by December 1, an update that incurs a fee of approximately €240.
He added that the newly implemented special premium rate for weekend evenings should encourage drivers to extend their working hours.
“It benefits those who might typically work until 10, 11, or 12. They might decide to stay on longer,” he explained, reports RTE.
Mr. Keating highlighted that many drivers prefer to operate during daytime hours when incidents of anti-social behaviour are less prevalent.
He underscored the crucial role that taxi drivers fulfill throughout Ireland, particularly as the Christmas season approaches.
“When snow falls, and the buses and trains cease operation, everything halts except for the taxi drivers,” he stated, reports RTE.
“We continue working in all conditions.”
The seasoned driver advocated for more around-the-clock public transportation options, particularly during the Christmas week, to alleviate the burden on taxis.
“The Luas should operate 24 hours a day throughout December,” he suggested, reports RTE.
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