Taxi drivers put fare rise bid on hold

TAXI drivers are set to postpone a formal submission for a fare increase until next January after Taxi Regulator Ger Deering ruled out their demand for a 50 cent surcharge to compensate plate-holders for rising petrol prices.

Mr Deering, who will take over many responsibilities in relation to taxi licensing from local authorities and gardaí next month, has instead signalled he will carry out a review of fare structures in early 2006.

The National Taxi Drivers' Union accepted yesterday that taxi drivers will not receive permission to increase fares until next year at the earliest.