Taxi users, drivers, and other interested parties have a chance over the next few weeks to have their say on the national maximum taxi fare. The Commission for Taxi Regulation has developed an online facility at www.farereview.taxiregulator.ie to make it is as easy as possible to submit your views. The site will provide background information on how the national maximum taxi fare works, key points to consider when making a submission, and six key questions that you must complete when making your submission.
This public consultation process is being conducted as a key input into the review of the national maximum taxi fare which was last set in November 2008. The commission reviews taxi fares every two years to ensure that the national maximum fare strikes a balance between a fair return for operators and encouraging usage. This is the third fare review undertaken by the commission since 2006. The review will consider three broad options: No change to current fare levels, a decrease to fare levels, or an increase. The impact of each option will be considered against any views received through the public consultation process. The review will also conduct research on national and international trends in taxi and wider transport pricing, as well as a review of taxi operator costs. Targeted surveys and stakeholder consultations will also be carried out. Deadline for the receipt of submissions is August 16 next and the outcome of the review will be announced in September 2010.