Huge rise in taxi numbers

The number of taxis on the roads of the country has increased by four times to close-on 13,000 since the trade was liberalised four years ago, Transport Minister Seamus Brennan reported today.

In Dublin alone, the cabs total has shot up from 2,700 to more than 9,300, and extra taxis are also available in other cities and towns nationwide.

In addition, several hundred hackney vehicles now provide transport for passengers throughout the country.

Mr Brennan revealed the figures as he announced a new set of regulations, requiring drivers to produce up-to-date tax clearance certificates from the Revenue Commissioners.

He said the measure, recommended to him by the National Taxi Council, was one of a number of initiatives being introduced to promote a more professional, reliable and safe taxi service in which the travelling public could have full confidence and, for those directly involved in providing the service, a proper level of income and standard of living.

Mr Brennan added: “The latest statistics confirm that there has been tremendous growth in the taxi industry in just a few years.

“For consumers, the result has been a more frequent and more reliable service. For the industry itself it has meant more jobs and increased opportunities.”