Taxi drivers warn over new fares changeover

The transition to new taxi fares will be difficult because many meters have not been changed, cab drivers said today.

Drivers have staged a number of strikes in Dublin in protest at the revised rates, which include the scrapping of a surcharge at the capital’s airport.

However, unions claim that only half of all taxi drivers have had their meters altered for the new fares. There will be a three-week changeover period for the new charges.

National Taxi Drivers Union spokesman Tommy Gorman said: “The fare as of midnight has changed. For instance, if you took a taxi home on Saturday night, your minimum fare would have been €5.70.

“If you take the same taxi home this evening, it will cost €7.10. Obviously drivers will have a bit of explaining to do about the difference in that fare.”

Taxi Regulator Ger Deering said he hoped cab drivers would not cause further disruption when more changes to the industry were implemented in the coming months.

“I’d be hopeful that we can move forward now in a spirit of co-operation,” he said.

The taxi regulator confirmed there would be a three-week changeover period for drivers to adhere to the new fares.

“A number of drivers were unable to have their meters pre-programmed in advance,” he said.

“There may even be some confusion over the next 21 days. Some people will be operating the old fare, some will be operating the new fare.”