New fare structure for taxis planned

A minimum national taxi fare of €3.80 - 40 cent higher than the current Dublin fare - will come into force in September as part of the complete restructuring of the industry by taxi regulator Ger Deering.

The new fare structure will apply to every taxi in the State and will bring an end to the current huge variance in fares in different places. Fares will be substantially reduced in some counties.

The standardisation of fares is just one of several major changes announced yesterday by Mr Deering including the abolition of taxi meter areas and "off-meter" fares; the privatisation of the licensing system; and the scrapping of most extra charges including the luggage charge and the €1.50 Dublin airport charge.

Under the new fare structure passengers will pay €3.80 for any journey under 1km anywhere in the State, the remainder of their trip will be charged by distance with higher per km rates applying for journeys over 14 km.

The "premium rate" which applies from 8pm to 8am and Sundays and public holidays will have a €4.10 minimum charge and higher per km rates.

Fares were previously set by local authorities with taxi meter area generally matching the town or county boundary.

This power has been taken from the councils and the entire country is now one taxi meter area.

Consequently, taxis will not be allowed go "off meter", ie charging a non-metered rate when the customer wants to go outside the local boundary.

Taxis will not be allowed to refuse to take a passenger to another county and must accept all journeys of up to 30km.

Most of the "extras" charged have been eliminated.

Drivers cannot charge extra for luggage and are "obliged to carry your luggage", Mr Deering said.

They cannot charge for animals, but while they must carry guide dogs, they can refuse other animals.

Drivers will be able to charge a second and additional passenger fee of €1, a booking fee of €2 and a soiling charge of €125.

Local authorities are also losing the power to grant and renew licences. The contract to issue licences nationally has been awarded to the National Car Testing Service and the roll-out of new licences and taxi plate numbers will begin next month.

A new qualifications system, with compulsory training for new and existing drivers will be introduced from next year.

A new complaints system will be introduced later in the year and fines for breaches of the regulations will range from €250 up to €1,500 if the matter ends up in court.

Mr Deering said he has applied to the Minister for Finance to abolish vehicle road tax for disability accessible vehicles and new standards and licence fees for accessible vehicles are currently being devised.

It will also be compulsory for dispatch companies to provide accessible vehicles at all times.

While Mr Deering has raised concern about drivers transferring licences, he has not abolished the practice.

He said he will review the sale or rent of licences to determine whether it is having "any adverse effect" on the quality of the service and will open the matter to public consultation next year.