The Department for Infrastructure has announced a decision to increase maximum taxi fares.
Maximum fares will increase by 9.5% during the day and 19.5% at all other times (see notes to editors). Drivers may charge less than the maximum if they wish.
This increase is being put in place in the context of challenges about the availability of taxis, particularly in the evenings and at weekends, which has led to concerns around public safety.
The two-tiered increase to the fare structure is designed to balance the needs of taxi customers, including vulnerable passengers who are more likely to use taxis on a daily basis, with those of drivers and operators who face rising fuel costs.
The Department recognises the impact of the current financial climate on the public and these measures are being introduced to assist the taxi industry and support the wider economy, while trying to ensure an affordable means of transport.
The Department needs to make regulations to allow the increases to be applied. The regulations require a 21-day period before being implemented and they will come into force on 5 December 2023.
