This article is from page 8 of the 2006-09-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
A CONTROVERSIAL new fare structure for the taxi industry has come into force.
Yesterday saw the first day of the new fare structure implemented by industry regulator Ger Deering. The new regulations were the cause of work stoppages and protests from taxi drivers around the country.
The new basic national fare now stands at €3.80 during the daytime with that increasing to €4.10 between 8pm and 8am and on public holidays.
The fare will consist of an initial charge followed by a distance or time related charge, depending on the speed the vehicle is moving
Luggage charges and airport pick up charges have been abolished. Other changes being introduced include a more accessible complaints system for consumers and access to more information within the vehicle.
Consumer information displays in all taxis and hackneys are being introduced and all taxis will have to display customer rights and responsibilities as well as the new national maximum taxi fare chart showing all tariffs and charges. Among the other regulations being introduced is a €125 soiling charge.
A final compliance date for operating the new fare structure and displaying the in-vehicle information is set at October 16. According to the office of the taxi regulator, “a more simple and more transparent fare system will make it easier for people using the service to understand how fares are calculated and will ensure that taxi operators are rewarded in a way that reflects their cost base”.