Taxi fares to increase by 9% from December

The National Transport Authority has approved a 9 per cent increase in taxi fares.

It will take effect on December 1st. The authority said the move will ensure fares continue to reflect rising costs.

The change comes after a review which takes place every two years. The review found that the costs associated with operating a taxi increased between 2022 and 2024 by approximately 9 to 11 per cent.

Taxi meters will be adjusted to fit the new fare system over the coming months.

A "special rate" currently applies to taxi fares for journeys taken between 8pm on Christmas Eve and 8am on St Stephens Day, and between 8pm on New Year's Eve and 8am on New Year's Day.

The NTA said the special rate will be extended to include the weekend peak, 12 midnight to 4.00am, on Friday night into Saturday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning, year-round, in an effort to incentivise more drivers to service the nighttime economy.

The fee for pre-booking a taxi will also increase from €2 to €3.

Anne Graham, chief executive 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 per cent increase provides for the increasing operational costs drivers are facing while balancing the needs of the travelling public."