Hailo reiterates opposition to ride-sharing reforms

Taxi app Hailo has reiterated its support for existing legislation which prevents rivals such as Uber from launching “ride-sharing” services in Ireland.

Hailo marked the milestone of carrying 20m passengers in Ireland by reaffirming its support for the National Transport Authority and Department of Transport’s position, which does not allow ride-sharing.

The Hailo app connects passengers with registered taxi drivers whereas competitors such as Uber, which opened a Centre of Excellence in Limerick in January, lets non-professional drivers carry passengers.

Hailo argues that, while currently illegal across Ireland, ride-sharing would allow motorists without any form of taxi operating licence collect, drive, and charge passengers.

“Ride-sharing, and the substantial lowering of standards that it would entail, amounts to a race to the bottom on quality and price that would jeopardise passenger safety,” said Hailo Ireland general manager Tim Arnold.

“Carrying over 20m passengers is a significant milestone and we’re committed to continued growth and innovation without compromising passenger, driver and road user safety with unnecessary revisions to the law.”

Uber held talks with the previous Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe on the issue of potential legislative change prior to the election.

In March, Mr Donohoe said he had given no assurances over green-lighting ride-sharing here.