IRISH punters are set for a major blow as taxi prices are to be hiked in just weeks – with a €3 pre-book fee and the Christmas rate extended to weekend peaks.
The National Maximum Taxi Fare will increase by nine per cent on December 1.
The fee for pre-booking a taxi will also increase from €2.00 to €3.00.
A spokesperson for the National Transport Authority said: “The National Maximum Taxi Fare Review is carried out by the National Transport Authority (NTA) approximately every two years to ensure that taxi fares keep pace with changes in operating costs and to maintain the availability of quality taxi services throughout the country.
“The 2024 Review which was published in July this year found that overall, the costs associated with operating a taxi increased between 2022 and 2024 by approximately 9- 11 per cent.
“Following public consultation on the increase in operating costs experienced by taxi drivers found in the 2024 review, the Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order 2024 will increase taxi fares by an average of 9 per cent, weighted across time bands and distances.
“A ‘Special Rate’ currently applies to taxi fares for journeys taken between Christmas Eve 20:00h and St. Stephens Day 08:00h & New Years Eve 20:00h and New Years Day 08:00h.
“Under the determination published today, that Special Rate will be extended to include the weekend peak, 12midnight to 4.00am, on Friday night into Saturday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning, year-round, in an effort to incentivise more drivers to service the nighttime economy.”
