A new Taxi Action Plan will provide further support for the taxi industry and encourage more drivers to join the industry, it has been announced.
The new support measures, announced by the Department of Infrastructure on Friday, September 10, aim to assist the taxi industry as they rebuild following the Covid restrictions.
It comes following concern about driver shortages in some areas of Northern Ireland.
Fonacab, one of Belfast’s biggest taxi firm, was forced to turn away almost 3,000 customers one Saturday in August as it struggled to cope with demand.
The firm warned that Christmas revellers could be left out in the cold unless it can get more drivers behind the wheel.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has since announced her new support measures.
These include proposals to wipe DVA fees for new taxi drivers in 2021/22, wipe DVA fees for one taxi meter test required to implement a fare change, and a taxi fare review, with the consultation launching next week.
Making the announcement, the Minister said: “I continue to meet and listen carefully to the taxi industry and I am very well aware of the impact of Covid on their business.
“That is why I provided £16.7million of support to existing drivers from the two financial support schemes and regulatory support that I put in place last year.
“I welcome the fact that business has picked up considerably with the lifting of restrictions, however I recognise that there is currently a shortage of drivers and the sector has asked for my support in encouraging new drivers to join the industry.”
The proposal would see fees covered for new drivers who obtain their taxi driver and vehicle licences from April 21 to March 22.
The support would save over £370 for every new driver who successfully passes all the necessary tests to become part of the taxi industry.
Minister Mallon said a targeted consultation on a taxi fares review would also address concern surrounding “profitability and future viability” in the industry, given that a fares review was last implemented in 2011.
She said: “In doing so, my Department will consult with the Consumer Council to understand their views and ensure that the interests of customers are fully considered.
“Should a taxi fares review be implemented following that consultation, I would intend to provide further support to the industry by waiving the fee for the necessary taxi meter test, so that the taxi industry can receive the full benefit of any change to taxi fares.
“I intend to follow all necessary processes to put these support measures in place, including public expenditure processes, ensuring that I have the necessary budget to make this happen and also proposing the required changes to regulations.
“I want to continue to help the industry during these difficult times. These measures would go some way to address the issues raised by the taxi industry to assist it with recovery from the pandemic and to importantly provide support to attract new drivers to the industry.”
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