Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2013
616. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a standardised car or standardised colour for taxis in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20341/13]
View answerThe introduction of taxi branding this year was in line with Action 31 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011. The roll-out of the taxi branding by the NTA requires that at the next renewal of a taxi or wheelchair accessible taxi licence the vehicle must have the semi-permanent decal affixed to it. The aim of the branding is to provide greater recognition of taxis, promote greater professionalism of the industry and to reduce the potential for unlicensed vehicles to operate as taxis.
Given that there is a such a varied fleet in the Irish taxi market the introduction of a uniform vehicle or indeed a uniform colour would bring with it affordability considerations for those operating in the industry or intending to do so. This was a factor that was taken into account by the Taxi Review Group in making its recommendations for taxi branding. Once it is fully rolled out, the current taxi branding needs to be assessed before consideration can be given to whether any such further measures are necessary.
