TAXI DRIVERS FROM two representative groups are staging a protest today over upcoming changes to fares.
They’ll be carrying out a ‘slow drive’ from the Phoenix Park to the gates of the Dáil — departing at 2pm, and arriving at Kildare street at four.
Here’s what the route looks like…
What’s it about?
From April 30, the number of tariff bands will be reduced from three to two. It will result in a higher fare (roughly 4%) for the longest journeys, and a reduction in the intial charge from €4.10 to €3.60.
The move was announced last month by the National Transport Authority following a consultation process involving the Taxi Advisory Committee.
It is the first change in fares since 2008.
Drivers from the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation and the National Private Hire and Taxi Association (NPHTA) are taking part in the protest. Drivers from other groups have voted to accept the measures.
Disruption
Speaking to TheJournal.ie, Jim Waldron from the NPHTA said the time was picked as it would cause the least disruption to commuters in the city.
He said removing the extra tariff band will mean that some drivers will lose 32 cent per kilometre on journeys over 30km.
Waldron noted that all drivers will need to have their meters adjusted to accommodate the new charge – a process that can cost in the region of €200 and must be approved by the National Transport Authority.
“Some drivers might not want to accept the 4% on some fares, and instead pass the savings to customers, but as the meters must be altered due to the change in the pick-up charge they can’t do this,” he said.
He estimates that ‘hundreds’ of drivers will take part in tomorrow’s protest. As many as 150 attended a meeting on the demonstration earlier this month.
Talks
“We’re just highlighting the issue, and if the NTA don’t want to sit down and talk about it, we might have to escalate the protests”, he said.
A spokesperson for the NTA said extensive consultation took place on the fare changes last year, and that through the Advisory Committee there is an open dialogue with the industry.
It was also noted that although the pick-up charge has been reduced, it now only applies for 500 metres before the meter begins.
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