Irish taxi fares set to soar as pricier Christmas rates to apply every weekend

The National Transport Authority confirmed a hefty increase in the National Maximum Taxi Fare following the latest review of the industry

Taxi fares are set to soar as the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced a 9 per cent increase in the National Maximum Taxi Fare following its latest industry review.

In a significant shake-up, the peak "special rate" that was once only applied during the Christmas holidays will now be hitting passengers' pockets every weekend, reports Dublin Live.

As a result, from December, punters hopping into cabs after midnight on Friday into Saturday morning and again on Saturday night through to Sunday morning will have to cough up the higher charge previously kept for the festive season's rush hours, namely from 8pm Christmas Eve to 8am St Stephen's Day and from New Year's Eve till New Year's Day morning.

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The pricing measure has been put in place to tempt more taxi drivers to operate during these busy periods, hoping to better cater to the late-night crowd.

Adding to the cost of travel, arranging a taxi in advance will now cost €3, up from €2. The increase comes after a public consultation laid bare the escalating costs facing cabbies, with the report indicating an increase of approximately 9 to 11 per cent in operating expenses from 2022 to 2024.

NTA's chief Anne Graham said: "The NTA's review is essential to ensuring the taxi industry remains sustainable and can continue to offer high-quality and reliable services. This 9 per cent increase provides for the increasing operational costs drivers are facing while balancing the needs of the travelling public."

Taxi meters nationwide will be adjusted in the coming months to reflect the new fares, and taxi operators will need to display updated fare cards. The fare hikes are set to kick in from December 1.

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