Taxi Driver Online

Northern Ireland taxis: Maximum fares to increase as support package for drivers announced

Taxi fares in Northern Ireland are set to increase as part of a range of measures to address a shortage of drivers.

Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, will legislate for a 7.6% increase in the maximum taxi fare and will introduce a support package for new drivers.

Part of this package includes financial support to cover the DVA fees for new drivers who successfully obtain their licenses from April 2021 to March 2022.

These changes follow a consultation in September with industry and representative consumer bodies.

Minister Mallon said: “I thank everyone who provided their views to the recent consultation on this issue. I have carefully considered those responses and while I acknowledge the range of views presented on the way forward, I do think intervention is needed now to address the shortage of drivers especially as we enter one of the busiest periods of the year for the industry.

“Taking account of all the views expressed and the recent rise of fuel and other running costs I therefore plan to implement a 7.6% increase in the maximum fare, as soon as possible and I will initiate a further fare review in Spring 2022, based on updated data.

"Subject to the legislative processes, and in order to provide additional support to the industry, I will also provide for a free taximeter test for drivers and operators who apply between the operational date and the end of February 2022.”

Confirming support for drivers wishing to enter the industry, the Minister said: “To help build capacity in the industry, I will provide financial support to cover the DVA fees for new drivers who successfully obtain their taxi driver and vehicle licences from April 21 to March 22.

"This will mean a saving of £372 for every new driver who successfully passes all the necessary tests to become part of the taxi industry. Completion of this process ensures that customers continue to be protected through the provision of a safe taxi service.

“I have listened to all the views expressed and recognise the significant challenges that taxi-drivers have encountered over the last two years dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and now rising costs.

"I hope these measures and those already introduced will assist the industry in the time ahead.”

Full details of the processes to be followed to access this support will be provided to the industry shortly.

A group representing taxi drivers have said the latest fare review won't address the issues the industry is facing.

A spokesperson for the Licensed Taxi Operators Association said: "This isn’t as simple as a 7.6% increase in taxi fares. What the minister has done is to raise the ceiling that taxis (except those in Class C such as Uber who are not regulated on fares) can charge by 7.6% across all times of the week.

"This means the maximum per mile chargeable moving from £1.57 to approximately £1.70. Many companies / drivers charge well below this existing maximum during weekdays but need to charge more than the current maximum particularly at weekends when demand is high to encourage drivers to work antisocial hours – this fare review is a blunt instrument which we feel will not address the issues the industry is facing."

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IDFIMH

those rates are still a bit on the low side even after the increase

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Indeed, poverty rates.

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IDFIMH