'Crazy' regulations are forcing some taxi drivers to quit
Deputy Alan Dillon has suggested that Uber services would be a viable solution to the taxi shortage in rural Ireland.
An increasing number of taxi drivers will be forced to quit the profession if the licensing system is not reformed, a Mayo driver has warned.
Westport-based hackney driver Pat O’Malley, of Swift Cabs, has worked in the industry for 26 years but does not know how much longer he will be able to continue.
“Since the National Transport Authority (NTA) took over the sector, it is nothing but regulations and they have driven people out of the business completely.”
Mr O’Malley said one of the most contentious rules relates to the age of vehicles used by taxi drivers (vehicles must be less than 10 years old to qualify for a licence). The rules were relaxed during the Covid-19 pandemic but that scheme finishes up next December, leaving many taxi drivers in a very precarious position.
“If your vehicle is up for renewal at any time this year they will extend the licence for three years (even if it is older than ten years), but my licence is up in March next year, so I do not qualify,” explained Mr O'Malley. “There are vehicles older than mine which will still be operating whereas I will have to get a new vehicle.
Mr O’Malley, aged 62, has just finished paying for his eight-seater 2015 Ford Tourneo, which is subject to an NCT test each year but won't qualify as a public service vehicle next year.
“When it is 10 years old you cannot use it anymore - it is a crazy system,” he said. “I have to replace this minibus now before next year or I will lose my licence. I will get about €6,000 trading it in but the price of new vehicles has gone through the roof and a brand new van like this is €80,000 and there is no way I could justify it as the business is not there. This is the quietest January I have ever had."
Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon says the Government must look at reforms to the taxi industry in Ireland. He has backed party colleague Senator Tim Lombard who led the Taxis for Ireland Coalition at Leinster House last week to urge for change.
“Capacity needs to be built back into the system," said the Mayo TD, adding that there is such a shortage of taxis that people can no longer enjoy a night out without booking a taxi first.
Deputy Dillon believes the likes of ridesharing service Uber would be a viable solution, especially in rural areas, but the NTA regulations are “quite strenuous” compared to other EU countries. Uber can operate in Ireland but drivers must also hold a taxi license, which is not the case in Northern Ireland or many parts of Europe.
“I think we need the NTA to review the obstacles for the likes of Uber, especially on the basis that we are an all-island economy and the fact that Uber is licensed in Northern Ireland,” the Castlebar-based TD said. “I think once a driver is registered, vetted and their car is up to the required standard that should be sufficient. Young people would certainly have an appetite to provide a service to earn that bit more money.”
