Question
Can taxis charge higher fares over Christmas and
New Year?
Answer
Yes, taxis can charge more on certain days over
Christmas. Drivers have the right to charge the maximum amount calculated on
the meter, or a lower amount at their discretion. However, you can always ask
for a discount before engaging a taxi.
There are three different rates under the National
Maximum Taxi Fare; the standard rate, the premium rate and the special premium
rate.
The standard rate applies from 8am to 8pm, Monday
to Saturday. The premium rate applies at night from 8pm to 8am and on Sundays
and public holidays. And the special premium rate applies between 8pm on
Christmas Eve and 8am on St. Stephen's Day and between 8pm on New Year's Eve
and 8am on New Year's Day. The rates are lowest at the standard rate and most
expensive at the special premium rate. So, taxis can charge more when the
special premium rate applies over Christmas.
The National Maximum Taxi Fare consists of 3
separate parts:
·
Initial charge: amount
which appears on the meter at the beginning of the journey. This is €3.80 at
the standard rate and €4.20 at the premium rates. It includes an initial
distance of 500m, or 85 seconds.
·
Further travel: after
the distance/time included in the initial charge, further travel is calculated
on small portions of the journey. At low speeds, or when a taxi is stationary,
the fare is calculated on the basis of time. The charges for further travel
differ depending on what rate applies when you are travelling.
·
Extra charges:
there are strict rules about extra charges, including a booking fee, additional
passenger charges and a soiling charge.
Further
information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.
Know Your Rights has been
compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a
free and confidential service to the public.
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