The new changes will see taxi fares rise in price by nearly 10% and the ‘special Christmas rate’ for taxis being charged year-round.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) Board has approved a 9% increase in the National Maximum Taxi Fare, with this rise set to take effect on 1 December 2024.
A National Maximum Taxi Fare Review is carried out by the NTA every two years in a bid to ensure that taxi fares keep apace with changes in the costs of operating the vehicles.
The review is also completed in an effort to “maintain the availability of quality taxi services throughout the country”.
Published in July of this year, the 2024 review found that, overall, the costs associated with operating a taxi increased between 2022 and 2024 by approximately 9 to 11%.
After public consultation regarding this rise, the Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order 2024 will increase taxi fares by an average of 9%, weighted across time bands and distances.
Another change set for implementation, meanwhile, is in regard to the ‘special rate’ that currently applies to taxi fares for journeys taken between Christmas Eve 8pm and St. Stephens Day 8am, as well as New Years Eve 8pm and New Years Day 8am.
This special rate is going to be extended to include the weekend peak – 12 midnight to 4am on Friday night into Saturday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning – year-round.
The NTA said this in an effort to “incentivise more drivers to service the nighttime economy”.
The fee for pre-booking a taxi will also increase from €2.00 to €3.00.
Commenting on the price hikes, NTA CEO Anne Graham said: “This 9% increase provides for the increasing operational costs drivers are facing while balancing the needs of the travelling public.”
Over the coming months, taxi meters will be recalibrated in line with the new fares.
Taxi operators will also be required to display updated fare cards following the implementation date.
Images via Wanderley Massafelli/RollingNews.ie
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