Fine Gael calls for ‘rip-off’ airport taxi fares to be regulated
Standard charges should be introduced from major air hubs to nearby city centres to stop “rip-off” cabbies fleecing travellers, according to enterprise spokesman Phil Hogan TD.
He wants a New York-style maximum fare level imposed to stem a rising tide of abuse.
Mr Hogan says his party’s consumer affairs website has received a spate of complaints about over-charging by taxis.
In one case, a 3km journey from Galway airport to the city centre cost €20.
A ride from Dublin airport to Dun Laoghaire came in at €60 and a €70 fare was demanded to cover the distance between the capital’s airport and Celbridge, Kildare - but if the cab had stopped four km short in Lucan, it would only have cost €34.
“When tourists first arrive in Ireland they often have little or no idea of their whereabouts, and are more likely to use a taxi to take them to their accommodation. While the vast majority of taxi drivers are honest and decent, there is anecdotal evidence that some drivers are exploiting the lack of knowledge to hike up fares,” Mr Hogan said.
The FG spokesman claims this latest example of the “rip-off Republic” can easily be dealt with if Ireland follows America’s lead.
“New York has imposed a fixed charge of $35 [€29] plus tolls and tariffs for a trip from JFK Airport to Manhattan, and a charge of $40 [€33] plus tolls and tariffs from Newark.
“A similar approach should be adopted in Ireland, and it would be both fair and sensible for the Taxi Regulator and taxi driver unions to strike a fair price for a small number of routes to ensure that no rip-offs occur,” he said.
Mr Hogan wants journeys from Dublin, Cork and Galway airports to the centre of those cities and the trip from Shannon to Limerick to carry a set price.
“The regulator should also consider fixing the fares for some suburban destinations, as many returning Irish holidaymakers are also encountering problems.”
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