Greater regulation of the taxi sector will be introduced on a phased basis from the beginning of next year, the commissioner for taxi regulation Ger Deering has said.
Speaking yesterday after having been conferred with virtually the full powers of his office, Mr Deering said he had received a substantial amount of submissions relating to taxi regulation since the beginning of a public consultation process in June.
He had also met with stakeholders around the country, and a number of areas for improvement had been identified.
These included the provision of accessible taxi services for people with disabilities, new complaint procedures, simplified and transparent fare structures and improved driver training and development.
A code of regulation would be drawn up within months, and would be implemented on a phased basis early next year.
The Commission for Taxi Regulation was established as an independent body 12 months ago. Yesterday Minister for Transport Martin Cullen conferred further powers on Mr Deering.
Under the order made by Mr Cullen, Mr Deering now has responsibility for the fixing of maximum fares in taximeter areas. He will also have the power to declare new taximeter areas and to extend or alter existing areas.
Mr Cullen said the extension of Mr Deering's remit would allow the commissioner to bring about "positive changes for the industry and its customers into the future".
