Taxi sector sees highest driver numbers in a decade

The Irish taxi industry is experiencing a significant boom, with the number of licensed drivers reaching a ten-year high. Last year alone, 1,893 new taxi licenses were issued, bringing the total fleet to 27,891. This surge indicates a renewed interest in the profession, which the National Transport Authority (NTA) attributes to perceived business opportunities and a "strong interest" from potential drivers.

Kevin O'Brien, Director of Transport Regulation at the NTA, noted that the sector is attracting new talent, partly due to modernized driver entry tests. The authority's latest research, published in its Small Public Service Vehicle Bulletin, suggests that overall taxi availability is improving across the country. This is supported by consumer research, where 76% of respondents found it easy to get a taxi on their most recent journey, with 34% describing the experience as "very easy."

Furthermore, the sector is seeing a substantial increase in wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) and electric taxis. There are now 4,781 WAVs in operation, making up 23% of the total fleet, supported by NTA grants. This growth in accessible transport is a key focus for the NTA, aiming to meet the needs of all passengers.

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We see that business is there and people want to chase that business.

Despite the positive trends, the NTA also addressed passenger complaints, with over 50% of the 1,000+ complaints last year related to overcharging. Drivers have reportedly offered refunds in many cases. The NTA advises passengers to be aware of maximum fares and to keep receipts. The transition to sustainable transport is also evident, with a 25% year-on-year increase in fully electric vehicles, leading to reported weekly savings of €95 for drivers.

The NTA plans to use these findings to inform its SPSV Regulation Action Plan 2026-2028, which will include public consultations on fleet decarbonization. Passenger safety remains high, with 97% feeling safe at taxi ranks and 89% feeling safe hailing cabs on the street.

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to keep a receipt