Charges for taxi, hackney and limousine services
Information
There are certain rules in place regarding how fares for taxi, hackney and limousine services are structured and set. The Taxi Regulation Directorate of the National Transport Authority has overall responsibility for determining fares for these services.
This document examines the current rules concerning how maximum fares are set out, explains how taxi fares are calculated and recorded and the duties of passengers and drivers.
Section 42 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 empowered the Taxi Regulator to make all of Ireland one taximeter area. In September 2006 a new National Maximum Taxi Fare was introduced which fixed maximum fares for this national taximeter area. This means that all taxi fares for all taxi journeys are calculated on the meter (unless in the case of pre-booked taxis a written waiver agreement is in place). In November 2008 a revised National Maximum Taxi Fare came into effect.
What is the maximum taxi fare?
There is a standard rate and a premium rate National Maximum Taxi Fare. The standard rate applies from 8 am to 8 pm. The premium rate applies at night from 8 pm to 8 am and on Sundays and public holidays. Under the revised National Maximum Taxi Fare a special premium rate applies between 8 pm on Christmas Eve and 8 am on St. Stephen's Day and between 8 pm on New Year's Eve and 8 am on New Year's Day.
The National Maximum Taxi Fare consists of 3 separate parts:
-
Initial charge: amount which appears on the meter at the beginning of the journey. The national initial charge is €4.10 standard rate and €4.45 premium rate and includes an initial distance of 1km, or a period of 170 seconds.
-
Further travel: after the distance/time included in the initial charge has been exceeded, the fare for further travel is calculated at small portions of the journey. At low speeds, or when a taxi is stationary, the fare is calculated on the basis of time. Once the taxi exceeds a certain speed, the fare is then calculated according to the distance travelled using three graduated tariffs.
-
Extra charge: there are strict rules about extra charges that can be levied. These include a booking fee, additional passenger charges and a soiling charge.
It's important to remember, customers have the right to request a discount before engaging a taxi. Drivers have the right to charge the maximum amount calculated on the meter, or a lesser sum at their discretion. Any discounts given may be recorded in handwriting on the receipt.
In the absence of any arrangement on discounts agreed in advance, the customer is liable to pay the amount calculated by the meter in full.
Further information on the current National Maximum Taxi Fare is available on the the National Transport Authority's website.
Rules
Taxis
Under current Regulations, the maximum taxi fare is the highest amount you can be charged by a taxi driver. Previously, taximeter areas were distinct areas determined by the local authorities with varying fare structures where taxis were allowed to operate. Section 42 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 transferred the power to determine taximeter areas to the Taxi Regulator and the country was declared one national taximeter area. The Regulator also has the power to set the maximum taxi fares for taximeter areas.
Taxi fares are calculated by a piece of equipment called a taximeter, displayed in the front of the vehicle. The meter calculates the fare by time and distance. All taxi meters must be tested and sealed before being used in taxis. This is done by the Legal Metrology Service (LMS). The Legal Metrology Service is part of the National Standards Association of Ireland (NSAI) and is responsible for enforcing the law on how measuring instruments are used in business.
Hackney cabs
Hackney cabs do not have taximeters (that is, equipment installed to record taxi fares) installed and therefore maximum charges do not apply. All fares must be agreed between the driver and passenger before the journey begins.
Limousines
As with hackney cabs, limousines do not have taximeters installed so again, maximum charges don’t apply. If you choose to hire the services of a limousine, you must agree any fares with the driver before your journey begins.
Fare cards
A fare card is a card that must be displayed in all taxis showing how the fare area is calculated. The card includes details on distance, time and extras. The fare card should be displayed clearly where it is easily visible by the passenger.
All licensed taxis are obliged to display passenger information including rights and responsibilities and fare information, which will be supplied by the National Transport Authority, in the front and back of the vehicle.
Current Regulations
Under Section 39 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, it is an offence for a taxi or hackney driver to charge you more than the maximum fee shown on the meter or the fee agreed at the start of the journey. If you feel you have been overcharged, you are entitled to make a complaint about the taxi driver. Under Section 40 of the 2003 Taxi Regulation Act, it is an offence for a passenger in a SPSV not to pay the agreed fare or maximum fare shown on the taximeter. The driver is entitled to ask you to prove that you can afford to pay the fare before the journey begins. If you cannot prove this, they can refuse to take you on the journey.
Under Section 39 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, you are entitled to receive a printed receipt at the end of a taxi journey upon payment. The receipt should detail the date, duration of the journey, distance, amount paid and vehicle licence number.
Can I make a complaint about a taxi fare?
Yes. If you have a dispute about a fare you should should pay the fare displayed on the meter including extras. You should make sure you get a printed receipt and proceed to make a formal complaint to the National Transport Authority. See our document on making a complaint about a taxi, hackney or limousine driver.
Where to apply
National Transport Authority
Taxi Regulation Directorate
Dún Scéine
Harcourt Lane
Dublin 2
Ireland
Tel:(01) 879 8300
Fax:(01) 879 8333
Homepage: http://www.nationaltransport.ie/taxi-and-bus-licensing/taxi/
Email: taxis@nationaltransport.ie
Language
Related Documents
- Duties of drivers of Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs)
There are rules about the conduct and duties of drivers of taxis, hackneys and limousine drivers. Find out more here. - Duties of passengers of small public service vehicles (SPSV
Passengers must obey certain rules when travelling in taxis, hackney cabs and limousines. Find out what your duties are and in what circumstances a driver may refuse to pick you up. - Regulation of taxis and small public service vehicles
Taxis and other small public service vehicles are regulated by law. What is the difference between a taxi, hackney and limosuine and who regulates them?
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.