The Board of the National Transport Authority (NTA) has approved a nine per cent increase in the National Maximum Taxi Fare following the latest review. The fare adjustment is due to take effect on the 1 December ensuring that taxi fares continue to reflect the rising costs associated with operating a taxi service in Ireland.
National Maximum Taxi Fare Review is carried out by the National Transport Authority (NTA) approximately every two years to ensure that taxi fares keep pace with changes in operating costs and to maintain the availability of quality taxi services throughout the country. The 2024 Review which was published in July this year found that overall, the costs associated with operating a taxi increased between 2022 and 2024 by approximately 9- 11%.
Following public consultation on the increase in operating costs experienced by taxi drivers found in the 2024 review, the Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order 2024 will increase taxi fares by an average of 9%, weighted across time bands and distances.
A ‘Special Rate’ currently applies to taxi fares for journeys taken between Christmas Eve 20:00h and St. Stephens Day 08:00h & New Years Eve 20:00h and New Years Day 08:00h.
Under the determination published today, that Special Rate will be extended to include the weekend peak, 12 midnight to 4.00am, on Friday night into Saturday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning, year-round, 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 approval of the increase, CEO of the National Transport Authority Anne Graham said: “The NTA’s biennial review is essential to ensuring the taxi industry remains sustainable and can continue to offer high-quality and reliable services. 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 and taxi operators will be required to display updated fare cards following the implementation date.
The NTA remains committed to promoting a high-quality, accessible, and affordable public transport system, of which the taxi industry is an integral part. Regular fare reviews are necessary to keep the industry sustainable and ensure it meets the needs of both operators and passengers. The NTA will review the impact of this fare increase 12 months after implementation to ensure that all needs are served by the increase.
For further information, please access the National Maximum Taxi Fare Review here.
* It should also be noted that the Maximum fare order relates only to the highest fare that may be charged.
Fares lower than those calculated on the taximeter are entirely permissible and widely used at the driver’s discretion or as promotional or loyalty rewards.
