THE MAJORITY OF complaints about taxis relate to overcharging – but nearly half couldn’t be investigated, data from the first six months of the year shows.

There were some 779 complaints made to the National Transport Authority (NTA), which acts as the regulator for the taxi industry, between January and June 2025.

Figures obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show that 371 of these couldn’t be investigated for a variety of reasons.

In most such cases (71%), the complainant stopped responding to the regulator. In other cases there either was insufficient evidence, or it was found that no offence was committed. Additionally, some complainants were unwilling to pursue it further.

Overcharging and fare related issues made up 57% of complaints about taxis to the NTA. Of these, 311 accused the driver of hiking the price, adding extra charges or not giving change. Route selection was the subject of 74 complaints.

A small number said the driver didn’t give a receipt or they didn’t use a taximeter.

One in five fines issued by the NTA related to journeys to and from Dublin Airport.

Asked whether he would consider setting fixed fares for journeys to and from Dublin Airport, Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said it was a matter for the regulator.

Overall, Dublin was by far the county with the most complaints at 580, with Cork (62) and Galway (37) coming second and third.

Driver behaviour was the subject of 198 (25%). Most of these accused the driver of acting in a manner that was a nuisance or a danger.

Figures show that 92 complaints alleged the driver refused a fare or failed to complete the journey.

In five such cases, passengers with a guide/assistance dog said they were refused.

The NTA issued fines to 49 drivers off the back of complaints. These ranged from €80 to €250. The regulator collected €6,675 in total in the first half of the year.

Some 218 drivers got official reminders about their legal rights and responsibilities.