Irish taxi fares set to rise by 9% in December as NTA adjusts for increased costs

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has announced that taxi fares in Ireland will increase by an average of 9% starting 1 December 2024. This comes following the latest National Maximum Taxi Fare Review, conducted to ensure prices reflect the rising costs of operating a taxi service across the country.

The NTA carries out these reviews approximately every two years, and the 2024 report, published in July, revealed that operating costs for taxis have risen by 9-11% since 2022. After a public consultation, the Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order 2024 was confirmed, adjusting fares accordingly across different time bands and distances.

As part of this new order, the current ‘Special Rate’—which applies to journeys taken between 20:00 on Christmas Eve and 08:00 on St. Stephen’s Day, as well as between 20:00 on New Year's Eve and 08:00 on New Year's Day—will now extend to peak weekend hours. This means the Special Rate will apply between midnight and 4:00 on Friday and Saturday nights year-round, in a move aimed at encouraging more drivers to work during these busy periods.

Additionally, the fee for pre-booking a taxi will rise from €2.00 to €3.00. Taxi meters will be recalibrated in the coming months to reflect the updated fares, and operators will be required to display new fare cards in their vehicles.

The NTA has highlighted its commitment to maintaining a high-quality, accessible, and sustainable public transport system, of which taxis are a key part. The authority will assess the impact of these changes 12 months after their implementation to ensure both operators and passengers are well served.

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority, said: “The NTA’s biennial review is essential to ensuring the taxi industry remains sustainable and can continue to offer high-quality and reliable services. This 9% increase provides for the increasing operational costs drivers are facing while balancing the needs of the travelling public”