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'Raise fares to improve taxi service'
Irish Independent 8-11-2001 -
Treacy Hogan Environment Correspondent
TAXI deregulation has not provided Dublin
with the service it needs, according to an expert report.
The report calls for fare hikes to encourage more drivers on to the
streets during peak times. Major shortages have been identified after
midnight when young people are coming home from clubs and pubs, and during
the morning and evening rush hours. The problem is certain to worsen over
Christmas.
The report by Goodbody economic consultants for the four Dublin local
authorities also says businesses are finding it more difficult to get
cabs. It proposes a huge increase in prices - from £9 to £14 an hour - and
an increased mileage charge at night on Sundays and public holidays,
ranging from 16pc to 26pc. Many taxi drivers are not supplying services
during these times because of the effect of traffic congestion on their
earnings, the report says.
The report urges a halt to the practice of taxi drivers working
excessively long hours to make a living wage. It says this has serious
safety implications, and backs fare increases to provide a better income
for drivers.
The report says supply is deficient at times of the day when roads are
particularly congested - 8am-10am and 4pm-6pm, and after midnight when
there is considerable demand - and for trips to the north of the city
around the Fingal area, which involve long journeys with little hope of a
return fare.
In a separate development, it was claimed yesterday that taxi families who
paid up to £80,000 for their plates before deregulation made them
available for just £5,000 are facing financial ruin and may lose their
homes.
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