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Public &Commuter Transport Minister, Alan Kelly, has today published the Government’s report into the future of the taxi sector.

The report contains over 40 key actions to address deficiencies in taxi regulation as part of a Programme for Government commitment to review the taxi sector.

Minister Kelly stated:

This is the most radical examination of the taxi sector in Ireland ever.

The powers of the Gardai will be extended as a key action, with strengthened collaboration with the National Transport Authority for more effective on street enforcement. We will also be tightening up on the rental sector, removing criminal elements from the sector and creating a much more robust system of regulation.

The broad aim of this report is to increase consumer confidence in the sector and eliminate the rogue elements in the sector. We also want to ensure that legitimate and professional taxi operators and drivers can be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory regime that is adequately enforced. We want it to be a sector worth working in. This report will allow us to achieve this and we have brought taxi regulation right back to the top of the transport agenda.

 The 46 key actions proposed in the report are under the following categories:

• Compliance & Enforcement
• Consumer & Industry Assurance
• Driver Licensing
• Vehicle License & Standards
• Accessible Services
• Fleet Management & Rental Controls

The Minister concluded:

This is an action-orientated report and work on these measures will start immediately. The National Transport Authority will be key partners in driving these actions.