Most taxi users in Ireland have recently experienced difficulties getting a taxi, Newstalk’s Transport Survey has revealed.
The exclusive polling data, put together by Amárach Research, confirmed taxi shortages continue to be a problem - with 60% of those who required one in the past month finding it difficult.
The problem was particularly acute among women and young people; 67% of recent female tax users said they had experienced difficulties getting a taxi, compared to 54% of men.
Furthermore, 75% of those under the age of 35 said they had experienced difficulties.
During the pandemic, a large number of taxi drivers quit and some never returned to the profession.
Speaking to Lunchtime Live, one taxi driver said the focus should be on improving other forms of public transport.
“It’s got nothing to do with the amount of taxis,” Brian said.
“We have 13,500, 15,000 in Dublin alone and there still isn’t enough.
“What should be asked of the politicians is why are there not 24-hour buses? Or 24 hour trains? Or Luas or DART?
“Even if we had a million taxis on the road, you still wouldn’t have enough to get people home at 2am when everything closes at the same time.”
Taxis waiting for business along The Quays in Dublin in December 2008. Picture by: Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ieBrian said taxi drivers are expected to do far too much at the moment.
“[Some] 500,000 people [come] into the city at weekends on a Saturday,” he said.
“And then [they] expect 13,500 taxis to bring them home - it’s impossible.”
Brian works as a taxi driver in Boyle Roscommon but refuses to work at night - which he describes as the most dangerous time for a taxi driver.
The survey also revealed 61% of people would trade in their car if there was “reliable and frequent” public transport, while 41% would do so if public transport were free.
However, most people continue to favour money being spent upgrading road infrastructure - 60% want more motorways built and 78% would disagree with plans to stop investment in road upgrades.
Main image: A line of taxis in Dublin city centre, 13-05-2021. Image: Artur Widak/NurPhoto
