Taxi customers face 8.3% rise in fares from November 1

TAXI fares will be 8.3% dearer from November 1.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation decided on the increase following a public consultation process involving industry representatives and the advisory council to the commission. “Economic consultants also undertook a review of the costs of operating in the business and these results were also given due weight,” said the commission.

“The changes reflect the increased costs of owning and operating a taxi since the national maximum taxi fare was implemented in September 2006.”

The increases mean the initial charge displayed when a customer hires a taxi will be €4.10 (standard rate) or €4.45 (premium rate).

The fare will then rise by €1.03 per kilometre or 36c per minute for the cheapest tariff up to €1.77 per kilometre or 63c per minute for the most expensive. The commission has also increased charges from 8pm on Christmas Eve to 8am on St Stephen’s Day and from 8pm on New Year’s Eve up to 8am on New Year’s Day to the highest tariff rate. It has also increased the soiling charge from €125 to €140. The rest of the charges remain the same.

“The new fare has been set with due consideration for both taxi drivers and consumers,” said the Commissioner for Taxi Regulation, Kathleen Doyle.

“It is important that drivers have sufficient reward for their work, whilst a balance must be struck to ensure that the service remains affordable and demand is sustained.

“This review has been completed two years after the introduction of the National Maximum Taxi Fare, and we are making a commitment to a further review before the end of 2010.”

After the fares come into effect, drivers have three weeks to ensure their meters are calibrated to the new fare. They will also have to display updated information stickers in their vehicles.