Will anything be done about this "lack of taxis" issue?

[mercenary for hire]

You have more to be worried about from thousands more legal taxi drivers than Uber.


In the US Uber and Lyft can't get drivers so they have the same problems as the taxi industry.They thought they were different but it turns out they're not.

[John m]

Lad on the Wireless this morning saying no Trade no Town he was complaining that blocking access to car parks ans streets is forcing people to shop on line or to out of town shopping centers and he recons the Pubs and Hotels are pushing for more pedestrianisation but when there are no tourists and the Natives have been reprogrammed to stay out of town they will of made their own business anemic .He recons Politicians love Big Policies as it gives different vested interests more opportunity to grease certain political parties the problem with big projects is one mans opportunity is another mans downfall and nobody sees the flaw until its too late .Witherspoons Hotel no drop off or pick up is a simple example of no forward planning .I wonder will they put Bike bollards on Thomas Street out side Paddy Masseys ?

[taxi1990]

Will the government or NTA do anything or will it blow over?

People calling for an uber style ride hailing app...cannot see that ever happening here..Well it better not Hallen ffs

Uber is on the way and will be legal within 3yr

Why do you say that?

Anyone know why they never were allowed operate here the way they do in some other countries?

[mercenary for hire]

They don't operate in the Uk with unlicenced drivers.They're hacks.

If you wanna be a taxi driver in Ireland it's relatively easy to get on the road.The plates cost next to nothing.If you can pass the test and get reasonable insurance you're in.

[taxi1990]

They don't operate in the Uk with unlicenced drivers.They're hacks.

If you wanna be a taxi driver in Ireland it's relatively easy to get on the road.The plates cost next to nothing.If you can pass the test and get reasonable insurance you're in.

They will probably make the entry test easier here id say.

How much is insurance for new entrants these days?

[mercenary for hire]

Dunno but a friend of my Brothers got a quote fo 3500.The test is doable if you put the work in.

Why would ya wanna dive into taxi driving when there are so many better opportunities out there.Its a job for oddballs who don't want the responsibility of driving the luas/train or a truck.Suits me fine.

[Rat Catcher]

Taxi Drivers' representatives Jim Waldron and the late Joe Heron (RIP) warned NTA of the shortage way back when the SPSVDL renewal fee was increased to €250.00 with both repeatedly drawing attention to "thousands" of drivers vacating the trade to pursue more lucrative vocational opportunities. In fact, Jim identified the cost of entry as being prohibitive.

The dispatch firms took a while to catch up but it seems that they now agree with Jim and the late Joe (RIP)... as it seems does the general public.

Maybe NTA should consider removing requirements to sit entrance examinations for Limousine drivers with a view to promoting provision of a UK/Spanish style "Uber" service i.e. a service provided by appropriately licensed private hire drivers utilising better quality vehicles?

[mercenary for hire]

What if the untested limo lads brought the mourners to the wrong graveyard? Can't be having that.

[Rat Catcher]

Unlikely. It doesn't seem to be an issue in the UK or Spain... and I'm sure anyone who has used Uber (for example) within those jurisdictions will agree that it offers a pleasant alternative to public hire taxis. In my experience the cars are pretty new Supurbs or Mercedes and the drivers ahere to high standards of personal hygiene, wear a collar and tie, provide assistance with luggage and (more often than not) even open the door for their clients.

[mercenary for hire]

I fully expect the industry to be torpedoed but I'm not certain how it might happen.All we can do is reduce our debt so we can live on the dole when the next downturn happens.This time I'm ready...last time I wasn't so let them do what they want.

[Rat Catcher]

I guess it's desireable to discourage over-reliance on the trade. Drivers up above in Dublin, for example, are finding it difficult to navigate traffic at certain times and/or in certain areas. I guess all alternatives are worthy of consideration.

[Punter]

8.30 am on Wed --watched the lights change 7 times to go from Lr Mount st to Percy place --300 mts !!!

[silverbullet]

8.30 am on Wed --watched the lights change 7 times to go from Lr Mount st to Percy place --300 mts !!!

Luxury! Tell the kids of tomorrow and they won't believe you!!

[Shallow Hal]

8.30 am on Wed --watched the lights change 7 times to go from Lr Mount st to Percy place --300 mts !!!

Ye have to work smart to be able to flow seamlessly Punter....I never drive from Grand Canal St up Warrington Pl onto Herbert St....between those lights and fuktards updating their Fukbook profile at 8 in the morning would do anybodies head in!!

[taxi1990]

Just listening to Newstalk there a few minutes ago, some woman saying the lack of taxis can lead to similar attacks and rapes as what happened that teenager in Offaly in 2016. we are to blame for everything.