Eoin Hayes (Dublin Bay South, Social Democrats)
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209. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his view on fixed-rate fare taxi charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68650/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) is the independent transport regulator of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector.  

Section 24 of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 & 2016 empowers the NTA Board to make a “Maximum Fares Order” fixing the maximum fare that may be charged by the driver of a taxi for any journey. The current maximum fares order took effect in December 2024, and a maximum fare review is carried out approximately every 2 years. The NTA has conducted these reviews since 2011. Hackneys and limousines agree their fares in advance and do not use a meter. 

The Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order 2024 increased taxi fares by an average of 9% and ensures that taxi fares continue to reflect the rising costs associated with operating a taxi in Ireland. This increase includes a special rate for the weekend peak, year-round, to incentivise more drivers to service the night-time economy. The 2024 Order built on the 2022 Maximum Fares Order in which a 12% increase on fares was introduced. 

As set out in the legislation, charging more than this maximum fare can lead to a prosecution, however, charging below the maximum fare is permitted. I understand that the Uber Fixed Price offer does not breach the maximum fare regulatory provisions for taxis or constitute an offence associated with the misuse of taximeters. 

I issued a letter to the NTA on 19 November asking that they clarify the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike. I also met with the Advisory Committee on SPSVs on 27th November, whose role it is to provide advice to the Minister and the NTA in relation to issues relevant to SPSVs and their drivers, where the Uber fixed price fare was discussed. I intend to further engage with SPSV sectoral representatives on this issue, once I receive the regulatory clarification from the NTA.