Taxi fares set to be standardised nationwide

Taxi fares are set to be standardised nationwide as part of new regulatory moves in the industry to be introduced by the new taxi regulator.

Reports this morning said the regulator, Ger Deering, intended to set a single national charge early next year and had already expressed his view that fares in some areas were too high.

At present, taxi fares are decided by each local authority, leading to significant variations across the country, but Mr Deering takes over this responsibility from next month.

This morning's reports said the regulator had also ruled out a 50c fuel surcharge on all taxi journeys to compensate drivers for rising petrol and diesel prices.

Taxi unions are seeking the measure, but Mr Deering has said he cannot simply add 50c to the cost of every journey and will instead take fuel costs into account when reviewing national fares.