The newly-formed Taxis for Ireland Coalition are calling on Government to acknowledge the extreme shortage of taxis in cities, towns and rural areas across Ireland and address the persistent crisis, which has been negatively impacting both the Irish public, and tourism and hospitality businesses for many years.
The Coalition, which includes the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Vintners’ Federation of Ireland, Licensed Vintners’ Association, Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, Bolt and Uber among its members, came together in late 2023 to address shared concerns about the ongoing lack of taxi supply and the impact this is having on the economy.
Taxi services form a significant part of Ireland’s public transport mix, especially during peak times and busy social periods such as the imminent Christmas season. However, feedback from taxi operators, business owners and members of the public indicates that availability of taxis is a perennial issue.
Four surveys commissioned this year by Coalition members, have found that customers, publicans and the wider public have a very poor view of the availability of taxis in Irish cities, towns and rural areas.
The Coalition acknowledges the work of the NTA, noting particularly the regulations to extend the maximum age of taxis and increase fares, as well as the driver recruitment campaign. However, these initiatives have not resulted in an increase in taxi availability, particularly at peak times, nor enhanced taxi availability in rural areas. If not addressed as a matter of urgency, the issue of taxi supply will continue to have serious economic, social, and reputational impacts. Insufficient taxi supply, throughout the day but particularly at peak times, results in less choice for consumers, and reduced income for local businesses.
