Taxi fares are set to rise, impacting commuters and tourists alike. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has recently approved a hike in fares, citing the need to keep up with rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and driver shortages.
The Irish travelling public are going to be feeling empty-pocketed come December as taxi fares are set to increase by 9% just as the festive period gets into full swing.
The news comes as a recent analysis from Greenpeace ranked Dublin’s public transport dead last in Europe having considered things like reliability and price. And God knows what it would have thought of the public transport in our smaller towns and cities...
With our American cousins opting to simply drive each other around using the likes of Uber to help keep down the cost of getting around, how has the ease and affordability of getting around Dublin gotten so bad?
What are the taxi fare increases?
There are three components to the upcoming increase in taxi fares, which will take effect from 1st December.
- The fee for pre-booking a taxi (as opposed to hailing one on the street) will increase from €2 to €3 year-round
- Taxi meters will be recalibrated to increase fares by an average of 9% year-round
- The current 'special premium rate' (displayed as 3 on the meter), which currently only operates around Christmas and New Year's, will now operate year-round over weekend nights
Why are taxi fares increasing?
This latest taxi fare increase is down to a combination of factors that will be familiar to most consumers as well as some that are specific to taxi drivers:
- Increased fuel costs
- Increased vehicle maintenance costs
- The recent introduction of mandatory card payments (fees to card machine companies)
- Increased car insurance premiums
- General increase in the cost of living for taxi drivers themselves
- To combat a shortage of taxis, especially at night
As a result of these changes, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has concluded that the cost of operating a taxi in Ireland has increased by between 9% and 11% over the past two years.
It's been noted that as a result of these increased costs as well as other factors, this is contributing to a shortage of taxis, especially on weekend nights, in the main towns in Ireland.
What is the taxi shortage?
A part of the reason for this increase is to incentivise taxi drivers to continue in their line of work.
Due to an increase in the cost of operating a taxi, as well as an increase in cases of antisocial behaviour from customers, many taxi drivers are stepping back from the job as they feel as it's no longer worth it for them, especially in the big cities where antisocial behaviour is at its worst.
One potential benefit to the upcoming fare increase is that it could lead to an increased availability of drivers. There is nothing worse than being left stranded miles from home after a meal out or night on the town, not least during Christmas when temperatures are… uncomfortable. So something positive could come from this fare hike at least.
What do increased taxi fares mean for consumers?
At bonkers.ie, we're glad to see that our hardworking taxi drivers are being considered and having changes made to benefit them. However, given that Dublin was ranked as having the worst public transport in Europe only last year, is it fair to continue increasing prices for the Irish public without offering decent alternatives?
Can I get an Uber in Dublin?
Uber does operate in Dublin… sort of. From the Uber app, you can order a taxi but this is no different to any other taxi app. So you'll still be subject to all the usual fees of a metered journey.
In the United States, Uber drivers are not necessarily professionals and don't need any state certifications to become one. It's a ride sharing app so is essentially the public taking turns to drive each other around in exchange for a reasonable fee that they decide on.
This seems like a great alternative to the transport crisis in Dublin but it has consistently been blocked by the Irish government. They have cited concerns over public safety, as well as concerns over major disruption to the taxi industry.
What could be the future of getting around Dublin?
The NTA stated that the upcoming taxi fare increases are to ensure the taxi industry remains sustainable for drivers. Unfortunately, with limited reliable alternatives and a cost of living crisis for everyone, the taxi industry may soon become unsustainable for consumers.
Clearly, something needs to change when it comes to getting around Dublin. Whether that be increased investment in comprehensive, safe and reliable public transport, or legislation changes to allow for services like Uber to reduce costs. But things cannot continue as they are.
For now though, we have no choice but to shell out to get around. Time to start saving money elsewhere! Consider switching your energy, broadband, banking, mortgage or insurance providers with bonkers.ie to save money and fund your Christmas journeys!
