Vol. 537 No. 3
74 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by commuters in Dublin that the additional taxi licences have not led to any significant reduction in waiting times, especially at peak periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15964/01]
The new taxi regime which has been established by the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations, 2000, is already bringing significant benefits to service users. I anticipate that these benefits will further accumulate as new service providers are fully mobilised. I have already indicated that it is intended to consult extensively with representatives of consumer groups, disabled persons, taxi service providers and others to develop further quality improvements for taxi services in the medium term for the benefit of both service providers and the public alike. In addition, I am aware that Dublin Corporation, as the largest taxi licensing authority in the country, will shortly carry out a major customer service assessment to compare current service levels with those obtaining during the last such assessment in 1998 and to identify potential areas for further service improvement.
