Robert Troy
Question:220. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his Department's review of ride sharing arrangements. [48603/17]
View answerThursday, 16 November 2017
Questions (220)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is provided for under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. This Act requires the holding of a SPSV licence and SPSV driver licence to carry passengers for hire or reward. No definition for "ridesharing" is provided for in this Act.
The current licensing regime was put in place to protect the consumer and to help ensure personal safety. While cognisant of the need to safeguard these objectives, I am conscious that there is also a need to evolve and be open to new technologies and innovation.
In this context, I am committed to giving further consideration to this issue. Along with my officials, I regularly engage with key stakeholders in the transport industry. This helps to provide insights into the performance of our legislative frameworks and their impacts on the delivery of all modes of transport including SPSVs. My Department continues to consider the issue of ride sharing, taking into account the likely impacts and risks to the travelling public associated with any change to current provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. This work is ongoing and I am more than happy to consider new proposals and workable options.