November 1st 2005.
The Commission for Taxi Regulation proposes to make changes in relation to taximeter areas and taxi fares. This will see new fare structures, rates and new taximeter areas put in place throughout the country, these changes will come into effect in 2006.
Before finalising these changes, the Commission has published a consultation paper and is requesting all interested parties to put forward their views and suggestions. The Commission welcomes input from anyone with an interest, including local authorities, the Gardai, Legal Metrology Services, taxi users, drivers and service suppliers. In addition, the Advisory Council will advise the Commission.
The Commission is considering a number of areas, including:
- New taximeter areas that reflect the needs of consumers and assist the provision of a good quality, consumer focused and responsive taxi service
- ‘Maximum’ fares with a cap on all fares and with all fares charged on the meter, based on the distance travelled or time elapsed during the journey
- Removing inconsistencies between regions in both fare structures and rates
- Simpler and more unified fare structures across the country
- A unified method of calculation for fares including hiring charges, premiums applied to unsocial hours and other extras
The Commissioner for Taxi Regulation, Ger Deering said “It is essential that the changes we make result in taximeter areas that allow for maximum access to a taxi service and taxi fares that give value for money, encourage taxi use, reflect taxi operating costs, encourage service provision and lead to a balance between supply and demand. Although the process of setting fares and taximeter areas is quite complicated with many aspects that need to be considered, we have listed a number of specific questions in the consultation paper to assist people in responding and I would like to hear from as many interested people as possible.”
The Commission for Taxi Regulation will in future carry out systematic and regular taxi fare reviews.
The consultation paper relating to the Commission’s proposed changes is available from the Commission’s website www.taxiregulator.ie Alternatively a copy can be requested by telephoning the Commission on (01) 659 3800.
Comments and submissions in relation to taximeter areas and taxi fares should be clearly marked “Response to Consultation Paper No. 3” and forwarded to the Commission electronically at: Commission@taxiregulator.ie or by post to: (Consultation Paper No. 3) Commission for Taxi Regulation, 35 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2.
The deadline for receipt of submissions on this Consultation Paper is December 19th at 5.00pm.
For further press information contact:
Joanne Coffey / Justin Bowers
Keating & Associates
Tel: 01 662 0345
Email: joanne@keating.ie /
justin@keating.ie