The cost of a night out in Ireland is going to become even more expensive as the price of a taxi is set to be hiked later this year.
Incoming changes will be felt nationwide on September 1, 2022, as an increase of 12% will add to the ever-growing cost of living here.
The National Transport Authority Board approved the increase last week, citing the fact that it "reflects the increase in operating costs faced by taxi drivers.”
This will mark the first climb in price since 2018 when the fare initially rose by around 4.5%
Aside from this, from the same date in September, it will also be mandatory for every driver to accept cashless payments.
While many have hit out at the costly announcement, General Manager of FREE NOW Ireland Niall Carson said the increase will "help taxi drivers earn a more reasonable living".
His statement read: "We welcome the NTA’s introduction of new national fares for taxi drivers across Ireland following its consultation process this month.
"The proposed increase of fares by 12% will help taxi drivers manage rising operating costs and earn a more reasonable living while they continue providing essential public transport throughout the country.
"An overwhelming majority of our driver partners surveyed last month stated that their ability to stay working as a taxi driver would be compromised if the NTA’s fare increase hadn’t come into effect."
Mr. Carson also said it may solve the issue of availability because the increase brings hope of adding more taxi drivers to the roster.
"The new rates will not only support existing taxi drivers in maintaining their careers in the sector but will also help aspiring drivers to consider joining the licensed taxi driver fleet."
This means, that a €25 taxi home from the city centre - destination dependent - will soon be just over €28.
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