IF YOU NEED to get through Dublin city centre quickly and efficiently, it’s a good time to get a taxi. 

Data gathered by Freenow by Lyft has shown that the implementation of the Dublin Transport Plan has resulted in significant benefits for passengers.

In place since August 2024, the plan restricts private vehicles in certain areas of the city, such as the Liffey Quays and O’Connell Bridge during daytime hours, while taxis and other public transport can still pass freely.

As a result, not only have taxis become a more viable way to travel through the city, but the reduction in traffic means that customers are rewarded with quicker journeys and lower fares. 

Freenow’s data shows that journeys through areas encompassed by the Dublin Transport Plan are now one-to-two minutes shorter on average than before the plan came into effect. Journeys are especially likely to be comparatively shorter during peak times. In fact, journey speeds have increased by 5% year-on-year.

The greatest improvements to journey speed are coming at rush hour, with benefits being especially noticeable between 5pm and 6pm. Crucially, drivers are also now connecting with passengers faster.

Danny O’Gorman, General Manager at Freenow by Lyft Ireland, said: “It is positive to see this reduction in traffic congestion in the city centre as a result of the implementation of the Transport Plan.

“This means passengers are getting where they need to be quicker and more cost-effectively, rather than paying to be stuck in traffic. The restrictions on private cars passing through the city centre are allowing public transport to operate more efficiently, meaning drivers can complete more journeys and accept more bookings during busy times.”

Freenow by Lyft have called for further investment in Dublin’s transport infrastructure, in particular for further late-night public transport options to take the pressure off taxi drivers. 

“However, more needs to be done to ensure that Government and industry focus on making meaningful improvements in the wider public transport sector, such as more 24-hour public transport options,” said O’Gorman. “Measures like this enable licensed taxi drivers to continue delivering their crucial service, without creating over-reliance on taxis alone.”

To learn more about Freenow by Lyft, visit the website or download the app today.