Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
TAXI FARES ACROSS the country have increased by 9% as of 1 December, which the National Transport Authority says is to reflect the ‘rising costs’ of operating a taxi service.
The fee for pre-booking a taxi – including through an app – will increase by one euro, moving from €2 to €3 from now.
A “special rate” that is applied to weekend nights between midnight and 4am will see taxi prices rise to €2.20 per kilometre.
This rate also applies to taxi journeys taken on Christmas Eve, from 8pm to 8am on St Stephen’s Day, and during the same time from New Year Eve to New Year’s Day.
There is an initial charge of €5.40 on “special rate” taxi fares. Standard rates, which apply Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm, are set at €1.32 per kilometre. There is a €3 booking charge in place for all taxis booked online and over the phone.
A number of representatives of various taxi companies, including Uber and FreeNow, have criticised the increase.
Uber has said that the move will impact the night-time economy and fails to address an ongoing taxi shortage.
“The NTA’s decision to increase pre-booking fees and extend peak-time rates will significantly increase the cost of taxi journeys, particularly for those who rely on taxis to get home safely at night,” the company said.
“This will disproportionately affect workers in the hospitality, entertainment, and nightlife sectors.”
Head of Uber Ireland, Kieran Harte said, “Raising taxi fares will have significant negative consequences for night-time economy workers who depend on taxis for safe transportation. Being the only door-to-door public transport service, taxis are a vital part of Ireland’s transport network, especially at night.”
Harte said that the decision will discourage people from going out at night and harm businesses that rely on late-night trade.
FreeNow Ireland general manager, Danny O’Gorman, said that more than fare increases were needed to support taxi drivers.
“Increased safety concerns mean drivers are becoming less willing to work certain hours,” he said, adding that this was an issue industry representatives had brought up with election candidates.
He said that they were looking for a number of measures: “a dedicated Garda Helpline for drivers, ensuring Ireland’s regulatory standards and safety protocols are upheld, and requiring operators to invoice drivers from within Ireland to avoid VAT liabilities.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Moscow Mick. The champagne socialist who rails against the west and capitalism yet he’s a failed bankrupt who owns three wine bars. A stooge for dictatorships across the world. You couldn’t make it up!
@David Wool: and hid mate ms Daly is also a fan of Mr putin
@David Wool: don’t forget the cheateau and vineyard..
@David Wool: he was probably on that refugees welcome march too
Ahhh mick.me old flower… nobody anywhere believes anything you say any more…
Best you heat east and live in Russia where you can become the putin fanboy you always wanted to be……
@David cotter: Did anyone ever believe him, David ….
@Anne Busher Collins: ahh…meh….. he had some good ideas at the beginning But greed and power went to his head…now his a laughing stock across the continent….
@David cotter: Mick challenges the status quo and isn’t afraid to go against the virtuous left. It’s refreshing to hear a different side at times.
@Ciarán O’ Donoghue: ciaran stop…just stop..nobody want to here that imperialist deluded crap mick spouts….I’m all for taking on the left and I’ve contemp for the status quo ,micks not the man
@David cotter: Emm. What about all the contractors who were left owed thousands when his construction business went bust
@David cotter: did he ever pay the money he owed his works and the tax Man….
@Dave Ryan: I think DJ Carey is paying it for him !!!!
Wouldn’t trust that man under any circumstances
A sloppy embarrassment of the bertie ahern ilk.
Mick , you make pour decisions but you are here for the right riesling, sip happens but how Merlot can you go? Don’t worry, where there’s a wine there’s a way.
The greatest joker in the pack. His membership of the EU Parliament give him the platform to really make an ass of himself. You do not see him rushing to give interviews to Irish media. Just buy a one way ticket to Moscow and go forward as a candidate for the Kremlin.
Ireland deserves better than this yob who cares only about himself.
It’s all right Mick!, sur aren’t you only doing what the rest of them are doing. Lesson learnt.
Beggars belief who votes for this guy
Can anyone narrow down the dates in which the next elections for MEP’s are due (2024)? The next Dail general election is due by the latest March 2025. So if Wallace fails to get re-elected as an MEP, there is a possibility that he could run for TD again, unless an early general election is called. Considering who the Irish public have frequently or repeatedly re-elected to the Dail, I wouldn’t rule out Wallace’s opportunistic political career being ended anytime soon.
Absolute cowboy
Nothing changes. They are all the same
He’d be all over someone else if they did the same but just fobbing it as a ‘mistake’ by himself. When will folk cop on to the fact he’s a liar and scammer.
Nothing changes. They are all the same
Maybe take Bertie on for the park.
Make great TV for all the licences holders
Nothing changes. They are all the same
@Michael Phillips: You can say that again.
A Leopold never changes his spot’s
have your say