Kieran Harte
Head of Ireland, Uber
Anyone who’s waited in the rain for a taxi that never comes will recognise the problem: Ireland’s taxi market isn’t working.
In a country with a booming economy and fast-growing population, the number of Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSV), or more simply, taxis and hackneys, has fallen. We have fewer taxis and hackneys on our roads than we did in 2019, despite our population growing by 8.5% in the same period.
Regional and economic impact of taxi shortages
Out of 26 counties where taxis are regulated by the NTA, 23 have fewer taxi drivers than they did in 2019. The regional SPSV fleet has shrunk by more than 10% and the border region’s fleet is down almost 20% in that time. Dublin now carries almost 60% of taxis while making up just 28% of the population. These aren’t abstract figures but symptoms of deeper policy issues holding the taxi industry back.
With tight restrictions on new taxis and hackneys entering the market, throttling supply, the growth of the SPSV fleet has not kept pace with population or economic growth. This has left many parts of the country underserved while cities struggle with availability during peak times.
This is now having a negative knock-on impact economically, particularly for tourism, hospitality and the late-night economy. Our experience is supported by the Restaurants Association of Ireland, who regularly speak to local businesses across the country, sharing their stories of the impact taxi shortages are having on their businesses — especially pubs and restaurants in rural areas.
Creating inclusive growth
While multiple issues are holding back the industry’s growth, unfortunately, a well-intentioned rule has become a major chokepoint: the requirement that all new taxis and hackneys entering service be wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).
WAVs are more expensive, and the WAV grant scheme, while welcome, is insufficient, with the total allocated funding last year drawn down in just fifteen minutes. Without significant financial help, or a relaxation of the rules, the barrier to entry for new drivers is too high. Crucially, the WAV mandate also clashes with electrification and decarbonisation ambitions because few WAV models are available as electric or hybrid vehicles.
While over 25% of the taxi fleet are WAVs, our statistics show that only 0.44% of WAV journeys booked through the Uber app actually serve people with an accessibility need.
Uber is committed to addressing transport challenges for people with disabilities in Ireland and across the world. Through our work with Paralympics Ireland, we’ve seen how barriers to a reliable transport service can hinder mobility and opportunity.
Taxi shortages mean longer wait times for all passengers, including those who specifically need WAVs. We must advance evidence-based policies that deliver improved service for all. There are alternatives to a one-size-fits-all WAV mandate that target accessible mobility where it’s needed most. At Uber, we advocate for rules that allow the market to grow, while establishing guidelines around ETAs — so wheelchair users or those with an accessibility need should never wait longer for a taxi. We believe this real-time allocation of WAVs is a more responsive and effective approach, while allowing the general taxi fleet to grow.
Ireland deserves a modern, reliable taxi sector that serves every county and type of customer,
while ensuring drivers have greater opportunities to maximise their earnings.
As members of the Taxis for Ireland Coalition, we believe there should be reform of these regulations. The development of a National Taxi Strategy should look to address rural undersupply, improve peak-time availability in cities and ensure greater opportunity for taxi drivers to earn a sustainable living, while delivering improved services for all. The strategy must set an ambitious target to increase SPSVs by 30% from 2024 levels, and address competing public policy levers.
Ireland deserves a modern, reliable taxi sector that serves every county and type of customer, while ensuring drivers have greater opportunities to maximise their earnings. Backing sensible change, as set out by the Taxis for Ireland Coalition, will deliver greater access and a more reliable service for passengers and drivers. It’s practical, achievable — and urgently needed.
