It’s feared newly imposed taxi fare increases will have a major impact on Clare’s night time economy.
A price review carried out by the National Transport Authority in September recommended a series of additional charges, which have now come into effect.
As part of the new plan, the NTA conducted a survey of taxi drivers from across the country in February, with a major focus on night-time drivers.
It found 19% of drivers stopped working nights as it was no longer financially viable, but crucially, only 14% said they would be encouraged to do nights if their earnings increased or costs reduced.
Despite this, the new measures in effect since December 1st will see a special rate initial charge of €5.40 applicable on all journeys between midnight and 4am on weekends, in addition to Christmas and St.Stephen’s Day.
Once you’re in the taxi, a trip during these times will now cost €2.20 per kilometre, while for all fares, the pre-booking fee will rise from €2 to €3.
Clare Vintners Federation of Ireland Chair and Owner of O’Dea’s Pub in Ennis Charlie O’Meara fears this will be seriously damaging for both the taxi and hospitality industries.
The new hikes will lead to an almost 10% increase in costs and concern has emerged that this will discourage workers and members of the public from getting home safely on a night out.
According to the RSA’s Christmas Safety Campaign, 11% of motorists have admitted to drink driving in the last year, while 25% believe it’s okay to drive short distances after having one drink.
Last December, 14 people were killed on Irish roads and 124 were seriously injured.
A member of Clare’s Road Safety Working Group is imploring people to never get behind the wheel when intoxicated, but says taxi costs must be examined.
Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor Rachel Hartigan believes the special rate should be scrapped and replaced with meaningful supports for new taxi drivers to enter the sector.
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