John Paul Phelan
Ceist:58. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport when taxi fares will be increased given that in July 2020 taxis were to get a fare increase which was put on hold due to Covid-19. [25024/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 18 May 2022
Ceisteanna (58)
Freagraí scríofa
The Deputy may be aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA), pursuant to section 24 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, is actively engaged in a review of the 2017 Maximum Fare Order, which sets the maximum fares that may be charged by the driver of a taxi in respect of a journey undertaken in the State.
The objective of the Maximum Fare Review is to determine whether changes need to be made to the current level of maximum fares, in response to market changes facing the taxi industry and changes in annual taxi operating costs.
The 2019 Fare Review recommended an increase in the national maximum taxi fare of 4.5 per cent. However, due to the disruption to the hospitality, tourism, leisure and, thus, taxi industries with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions in 2020 and 2021, and in recognition of the likely passenger reaction to an increase at that time, the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles and taxi industry group representatives, advised that the commencement of the Maximum Fares Order be postponed. My Department and the NTA accepted this recommendation. Therefore, the current fare review is taking the 2019 fare review into account.
The revised Maximum Fare proposals recently published by the NTA as part of its public consultation on this issue include a proposed average fare increase of 12.5%. The consultation process will run until May 27th and details are available on the NTA website.
The NTA has confirmed that it will endeavour to conclude the review process quickly, following the conclusion of the public consultation.