AQW 2810/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 05/09/2022
Answered On Date: 14/09/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for his assessment of the knock-on effects of the availability of taxis; and (ii) to detail what steps he is taking to mitigate these effects.

Answer:

My Department is responsible for the regulation of the taxi industry across the North. This role requires balancing the needs of taxi customers, including vulnerable passengers, as well as drivers and operators. My Department remains committed to working within this remit to play its part, alongside those in the taxi industry, to address the range of issues the industry faces.

The taxi industry operates within the wider context of the existing economic situation and there are many factors that contribute to the current shortage of taxi drivers. As we recover from the Covid pandemic potential drivers will compare the industry to other driving jobs, including those that do not require them to be responsible for managing running costs, or that involve unsociable hours. All of these factors influence the attractiveness of the industry, both to existing licenced taxi drivers that are choosing not to drive for the industry at present, as well as potential new recruits.

You may wish to note that as part of its regulatory role the Department is currently consulting with the public on a review of taxi fares, which will finish on the 7th of October 2022. This review has factored in a large increase for depot charges, 2022 fuel prices, and other increased costs such as insurance and labour. We are actively encouraging all of those with an interest to respond to the consultation. After this process has concluded the outcome of the review can be implemented, to help address the needs of drivers, operators and taxi customers, including vulnerable passengers.