A major taxi coalition has issued a stark warning about transport safety during the festive period, as Ireland faces a significant shortage of available taxis during one of the year’s busiest seasons.
The Taxis for Ireland Coalition, which includes major industry players like the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland, Uber, and Bolt, has highlighted particular concerns for rural areas where public transport alternatives are often non-existent.
Pat Crotty, CEO of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland, expressed worry about people potentially turning to dangerous alternatives: “We don’t want people resorting to unsafe practices – whether that be drink driving or unlicensed taxis – due to the lack of transportation.”
According to The Journal, the warning comes as taxi fares saw a 9% increase on December 1, with special rates applying during peak festive periods. The pre-booking fee has jumped from €2 to €3, while weekend night rates between midnight and 4am have risen to €2.20 per kilometre.
During key holiday periods – including Christmas Eve through to St Stephen’s Day morning and New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day – passengers will face these higher “special rates” with an initial charge of €5.40.
The coalition, formed in late 2023, is calling on newly elected TDs to address the taxi shortage, noting that several political parties had previously supported increasing taxi numbers during the general election campaign.
While major taxi companies like Uber and FreeNow have criticized the recent fare increases, arguing they will negatively impact the night-time economy, the coalition emphasizes it’s not seeking industry deregulation – just an increase in taxi numbers to meet growing demand.
The message to holiday revellers is clear: plan ahead for safe travel, as the combination of increased demand and limited taxi availability could leave many stranded during the festive period.