Historically there were separate taximeter areas (an area designated in which taxis can ply for hire or stand for hire on the street) controlled by the separate local authorities. The varying fare structures and tariffs created a problem with journeys that crossed the county boundaries. Taxis were required to charge passengers on the basis of a maximum fare set by the local authority in the relevant taximeter area but are not obliged to use their meters outside these areas and are prohibited from plying or standing for hire outside these areas. It became clear to the Commission for Taxi Regulation from its various consultations that taximeter areas as previously constituted did not meet the needs of a modern SPSV transport service or the travelling public.
Having consulted widely the Commission for Taxi Regulation declared the entire country one national taximeter area on 25th September 2006 and set a single National Maximum Taxi Fare. The declaration of the entire country as one taximeter area provides a framework for the operation of a modern taxi service to meet the needs of today’s travelling public. It enhances customer knowledge and understanding of the operation of taxis and removes the restrictions placed by antiquated boundaries and practices. It also allows for all fares to be charged on the meter, to one common fare structure and a printed receipt is a legal requirement.
Taxi drivers continue to be restricted to plying for hire or standing for hire in the area for which their SPSV driver’s licence is issued. To ensure that taxis only operate in areas well known by the driver, the local knowledge aspect of the SPSV driver’s licence will be strengthened as part of the SPSV driver skills development programme. The Commission for Taxi Regulation and An Garda Síochána will work in close co-operation to ensure compliance with this requirement.