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Rates and Fares
National Maximum Taxi Fare
The fare structure underpinning the National Maximum Taxi Fare (which came into effect on 25th September 2006) consists of:
- An initial charge
- A charge for further travel based on either distance travelled or the time elapsed and calculated across three graduated tariffs
- A premium at certain times and on certain days
- Extra charges, where applicable.
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NATIONAL MAXIMUM TAXI FARE effective from 25th September 2006 |
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Taxi Fare Standard Rate
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Taxi Fare Premium Rate
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Distance rate applies unless speed drops below 21km/h when time rate applies |
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INITIAL CHARGE
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€3.80
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INITIAL CHARGE
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€4.10
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TARIFF A
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€0.95 per km
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TARIFF A
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€1.25 per km
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TARIFF B
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€1. 25 per km
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TARIFF B
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€1. 45 per km
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TARIFF C
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€1. 63 per km
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TARIFF C
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€1. 63 per km
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EXTRA CHARGES (where relevant)
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Road toll charges as applicable
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Tips at customer's discretion |
Discounts at driver's discretion |
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Initial Charge
The initial charge (known to date as the minimum charge) is the
amount which appears on the meter at the beginning of the journey. A new
initial charge took effect from 25th September 2006, as part of the new
National Maximum Taxi Fare. This is €3.80 and includes an initial distance of
one kilometre or a period of 170 seconds.
Further travel
After the distance or time that is included in the initial charge
has been exceeded, the fare for further travel is calculated at small portions
of the journey. At low speeds, or when a taxi is stationary, the fare is
calculated on the basis of time. Once the taxi exceeds a certain speed, the
fare is then calculated according to the distance travelled. The speed at
which charges switch from being distance-related to being time-related is
known as the changeover speed. It is important that the changeover speed is
set at the appropriate level to compensate the driver for operating at times
of congestion, or for delays encountered on request of the passenger. However,
the changeover speed should not be so low as to encourage unnecessary slowing
of the vehicle to generate a higher fare. The changeover speed for the
National Maximum Taxi Fare is just above 21 km/h.
The time-related rate for further travel applies at speeds below the
changeover speed, this charge is uniform throughout the country, and is based
on a graduated structure of three tariffs. Journeys that travel beyond the
initial time or distance covered by the initial charge and that are short in
distance and duration are subject to Tariff A, the lowest rate. For medium
length journeys, the latter stages of the trip are charged at a higher rate:
Tariff B. Very long journeys will have the end of the trip charged at Tariff
C, the highest rate. The reason for the graduated fare structure is that a
driver is more likely to return empty after completing a long journey as such
trips often end in suburban or rural locations.
- back to top
Tariffs
From 8.00h to 20.00h, the rates for Tariff A are €0.95 per km and
€0.34 per minute for the next 14km or 40 minutes after the initial charge. At
premium rates, travel within Tariff A is €1.25 per km or €0.44 per minute.
This tariff together with the initial charge should not cost more than €17.20
(or €21.70 at premium rates) or exceed either 15km or 43 minutes.
When the initial charge and Tariff A are exceeded, the meter will record further travel on Tariff B. From 8.00h to 20.00h, the rates for Tariff B are €1.25 per km and €0.44 per minute. At premium rates, travel within Tariff B is €1.45 per km or €0.51 per minute. This tariff together with the initial charge and charges under Tariff A should not cost more than €36.00 (or €43.50 at premium rates) or exceed either 30km or 86 minutes.
Longer journeys in excess of Tariff B will be charged on the basis of the rates in Tariff C. Tariff C is not subject to any premium during unsocial hours, and is calculated on the basis of €1.63 per km or €0.58 per minute at all times.
It would not be reasonable or safe to expect taxi drivers to undertake journeys of unlimited distance, and as the current right to refuse a journey outside of existing taximeter areas will no longer apply, the Commission for Taxi Regulation will introduce new regulations giving taxi drivers the right to refuse journeys over 30km from the pick up point.
Premium charge
A premium applies to taxi fares at certain times to encourage
supply. These are generally known as unsocial hours rates and apply in
particular to taxi operation at night and throughout the day on Sundays and
public holidays. The Commission for Taxi Regulation has standardised the
premium rate across as part of the National Maximum Taxi Fare. A premium of 8%
will apply to the initial charge between 20.00h and 8.00h and on Sundays and
public holidays. Further travel within Tariff A will incur a premium rate of
32% and within Tariff B a premium rate of 16%. No premium will apply to Tariff
C.
- back to top
Booking charge
When a taxi is booked by telephone, email, fax, text, (or any
method other than by hailing in the street or engaging at a taxi rank), taxi
drivers will be permitted to charge a maximum of €2.00 for such journeys. This
charge will not apply to taxis hailed on the street or engaged at taxi ranks
or at transport terminals.
Extra passenger charge
An additional charge of €1.00 may be charged by taxi drivers for
each additional passenger. Two children under twelve will be charged as one
adult.
Road toll charges
Where a road toll charge is necessarily incurred on a trip, the
exact cost of the toll may be added to the taxi fare. Any tolls charged must
be recorded in handwriting on the receipt printed by the printer attached to
the taximeter.
Tips
Customers may give tips to reward good service at their
discretion. Tips may be recorded in handwriting on the receipt.
Discounts
Drivers may give discounts on fares. The driver has the right to
charge the maximum amount calculated on the meter or a lesser sum at his or
her discretion. Customers have the right to request discounts before engaging
the taxi. Any discounts given may be recorded in handwriting on the receipt.
In the absence of any arrangement on discounts agreed in advance, the customer
is liable to pay the amount calculated by the meter in full.
Soiling charge
A soiling charge is payable by passengers who dirty or damage a
taxi to the extent that it has to be taken out of service or will incur a cost
to clean or repair. Such soiling or damage can incur significant costs for
drivers or operators and a loss of earnings due to downtime. To discourage
such soiling and compensate drivers or operators a soiling charge of €125
applies as part of the National Maximum Taxi Fare.
Extras that are no longer charged
Luggage
The Commission for Taxi Regulation is of the view that the
carrying of luggage is an integral part of an SPSV service and should be
reflected in the basic charge. In addition there is now a significant
diversity in the type of bags and goods carried by passengers which can lead
to disputes in relation to the interpretation of what constitutes luggage. In
the interest of transparency and simplicity no additional charge will be
permitted for any type of luggage or mobility aids as part of the new National
Maximum Taxi Fare from the 25th of September 2006.
Animals
The carrying of animals will be at the discretion of the driver
but no charge will apply where animals are carried. The driver will not have
the right to refuse to carry an assistance (guide) dog unless on certified
medical grounds.
Miscellaneous charges
Charges, which previously applied in some areas, including
charges for extra stops, and charges for hiring at the rank at Dublin Airport
are not permitted under the new National Maximum Taxi Fare.
Contact us at 087 295 8787 TODAY, or email seaneenlynott@yahoo.ie. (c) 2007 Sean Lynott Ballina Taxi 2007 |