Taxi regulator won't attend protest rally over fares

Taxi regulator Ger Deering will not attend a mass rally of drivers protesting against new fare structures.

Officials from the three main taxi unions are this afternoon discussing his proposal to meet with representatives to discuss the price changes.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation had been called on by unions to address the rally in the capital.

The three unions – the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation, the National Taxi Drivers Union and Siptu – represent 14,000 of the state’s 17,000 taxi drivers.

Around 10,000 taxi men and women have threatened to strike next month, demanding changes to fare structures to be put on hold.

The move would cause chaos during the prestigious Ryder Cup golf tournament.

“The provision of information directly to drivers has always been and will continue to be a priority for the Commission, however, the Commission does not regard the forum suggested as the right format for a constructive exchange of information,” a spokesperson said.

“As an alternative the Commissioner has suggested that he is, as always available to meet with the leadership of all the national representative bodies at any time to enable them to outline the specific reforms where they or their members require further information.”

The unions claim the new fare system, which is due to come into effect on Ryder Cup week, will have a devastating impact on drivers’ incomes.

It will introduce minimum charges set at €3.80, or €4.10 at premium times, replacing the system where fares were set by individual local authorities. It also sees the abolition of luggage charges and a €1.50 hiring charge for pick-ups from Dublin Airport.

The regulator stressed that prior to the publication of new pricing system, it carried out the most extensive consultation process ever undertaken in the history of the small public service vehicle business in Ireland, with many drivers met face to face.

“The Commission hopes that the representative bodies would take the view that becoming part of the ongoing consultative process is the most constructive way forward,” a spokesperson said.

“Any strike action, particularly during a period of high tourist activity, will only serve to harm the perception of the industry and Ireland as a whole. Furthermore, it would not be in the interests of their members, many of whom are self-employed.”