Galway is experiencing a taxi shortage with running costs making the occupation a challenge for many potential taxi drivers.
National Transport Authority (NTA) data shows that there are less than 19,500 licensed taxis, hackneys, and limousines on Irish roads today, compared to 21,900 ten years ago and 27,429 in 2008.
Galway has 645 registered taxis, 179 hackneys and 62 limousines according to data from the NTA over the summer.
This is 50 fewer public services vehicles in Galway than ten years ago.
Insuremytaxi.ie says that it has become unaffordable for many people to pursue a career in the profession due to soaring insurance premiums.
But they believe that a new agreement they have reached with insurers should shave hundreds of euros off the average insurance premium, particularly for taxis outside of Dublin.
Jonathan Hehir, MD of Insuremytaxi.ie, spoke of his belief that the cheaper premiums will attract greater numbers to the taxi industry and bridge the gap between demand and supply.
“We’ve been in discussions over the last 18 months and are delighted to launch this service and much-needed competition to the market,” he said.
Mr. Hehir explained that in Galway, there are currently approximately 880 taxis in operation, down from over 930 ten years ago.
“Between 2016 and 2022 alone, the population of the county grew by over 9,400,” he said.
“This has a negative knock-on effect on both our hospitality and tourism industry. Being left stranded late at night because of a shortage of taxi drivers, particularly at busy times like Christmas or after concerts or festivals, is not a good selling point.
“The shortage of taxis in rural areas is a perennial problem, particularly in isolated rural areas where the cost of providing taxis is often a major obstacle.
“A better-resourced rural taxi service could help combat social isolation in rural areas, particularly for the elderly.”
He said that the implications of an under-serviced public are wide-ranging.
“Of course, there’s the public safety element for people who cannot get home late at night. Unfortunately, drink-driving is also an issue. Not having a dependable means of transportation home may well entice people to break the rules around drink-driving.
“In addition, for the tourists arriving in this country, often their first experience is an hour-long wait for taxis at airports and train stations. This isn’t acceptable.
“There simply aren’t enough taxis on the roads. We believe our new low-cost insurance will encourage more people to apply for a taxi licence at a time when there is such a shortage of them and hopefully improve the taxi experience for locals and tourists alike. However, the Government also needs to take action to alleviate taxi shortages.”
Mr Hehir is calling on the Government to provide more incentives for young people to enter the taxi business and to address the high insurance costs they often face.
