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Irish Taxi, News, Views and Opinions

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Double Jobber regulation being reviewed

Roy May 14th, 2013

The previous amendment discussed here: http://irishtaxi.org/?p=3900 has been withdrawn;

From the Seanad today:

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly): Further consideration has been given to this matter by the Office of the Attorney General. On foot of advice from that office I am withdrawing the amendment to section 11, as tabled, and I intend to make the necessary amendment to the section at the next available opportunity on Committee Stage in the Dáil. Obviously Senators will have a chance to come back to the issue again. I will take on board all the comments made previously by Senators in respect of the section.

Letter from the Ministry of Defence regarding Soldiers driving Taxis

Roy May 3rd, 2013

Special thanks to Bohemian boy regular commenter here on the Blog:

I have been asked by Mr. Alan Shatter T.D. Minister for Justice, Equality & Defence, to write to you regarding your recent correspondence regarding Defence Forces personnel engaged in taxi driving.

The Minister has asked me to advise you that the Defence Forces Policy on off-duty employment makes clear that a Permanent Defence Force member’s service to the State takes precedence over off-duty employment, and that no employment should be undertaken that would prevent a member of the Permanent Defence Force from being available for duty at all times. The policy also makes it clear that no off-duty employment undertaken by a member of the Permanent Defence Force has the expressed or implied approval or sanction of the General Staff. Further, it is provided in Defence Forces Regulations that where off-duty employment is deemed likely to prove detrimental or prejudicial to the best interest of the service, measures may be taken to terminate or limit the scope of such employment.

Regarding your point specifically in relation to taxi driving by Defence Forces personnel based in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, the military authorities have advised the Minister that two recent inspections of the car park were carried out. During the course of these inspections only one car parked in barracks was found to have a decal.

With regard to the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012 this is currently being considered by the Oireachtas. Subject to the Oireachtas enacting the Bill, and it being signed into law by the President, the provisions will then apply to members of the Permanent Defence Force in the same way as they will to all other citizens of the State.

I trust this information is of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely,

Why are the DAA allowed limit the number of Taxis?

Roy April 28th, 2013

As part of the review of existing Taxi regulations, S.I. No 425/1994 – Airport Bye Laws, 1994 should be included, it has remained unchanged since the then Minister for Transport Brian Cowen penned it in 1994, this line in particular needs attention;

(7) Aer Rianta may limit or increase the number of taxi/hackney permits issued by it according to the needs of any airport for which it has control at any particular time.

This allows the DAA to restrict taxi numbers in irish airports.

Why restrict Taxi numbers in the airports whilst this is deemed anti competitive outside of the airport campus?
Surely numbers should only be restricted by the number of rank spaces available as with every other rank in the country? The Airports, unlike these other ranks even have marshals on hand to ensure Taxis do not over-rank or overstay their welcome.
I believe there are benefits to be gained by lifting this barrier to competition and allowing access to Dublin airport for the entire fleet, for example; Taxis dropping off at this isolated part of the city should have the opportunity if space is available, to queue for work leaving the facility rather than being forced to drive away empty.
Most international Airports allow the entire Taxi fleet to access their facility, provided they pay whatever fee is charged and meet whatever qualitative standard is required, this should also be true of Irish Airports
Dublin airport is considering bringing in a “pay per play” system in the Airport and has also suggested moving the holding area to a bigger site further from the campus, this would be in line with best practice worldwide and would provide the perfect opportunity to allow for the greater access suggested above.
The vast majority of the fleet who regularly drop at the Airport and are forced to leave empty would congratulate this change, it is unfair that a small cohort of drivers are allowed access this prime source of Taxi earnings, the system should be reversed imediatly.

Taxi Regulation Bill continues its progress

Roy April 19th, 2013

The taxi regulation bill is currently going through its report stage in the Seanead, a number of amendments have been made, the most significant of which is the re-writing of the “double jobber” section, seemingly the first draft fell foul of EU law, Senator Sean Barrett seems to believe the new version may do so as well, the new one seems to do away with giving the NTA the facility to limit the hours drivers may work in a taxi

11.—(1) Where a person who makes an application for a licence to drive a small public service vehicle is engaged in another occupation which involves driving a vehicle, the person when making the application shall—
(a) inform the licensing authority of this fact, and
(b) show to the satisfaction of the licensing authority, that he or she has informed in writing any employer of his or hers connected with that occupation, of his or her intention to make an application for that licence.
(2) Where the holder of a licence to drive a small public service vehicle becomes engaged in another occupation which involves driving a vehicle, the person shall—
(a) inform in writing the licensing authority of this fact, and
(b) show to the satisfaction of the licensing authority, that he or she has informed in writing any employer of his or hers connected with that other
occupation, that he or she is the holder of a licence to drive a small public service vehicle and carries on the business of driving a small public
service vehicle for hire or reward.
(3) This section does not apply to a vehicle used in connection with agricultural activities on a farm.”.

Weekends off

Roy April 14th, 2013

For the first time in sixteen years I have weekends off, it’s brilliant!
Should have switched to days years ago, it’s far more civilised.
Completely different job though, my knowledge of Dublin nightlife is no longer of any value to me.
Nobody wants to know where everyone’s going,? Which night club, restaurant or bar is in for their age group/sexual orientation?
No more wondering is this guy/girl going to puke their stomach contents all over my rear upholstery?
Instead I need to know where office buildings are, take me to Facebook, Goodbody’s, PWC, State Street ……..huh?
It’s re-invigorating, a brand new learning curve, my brain is waking up again.

The Criminality Regulation may have more Bite than we thought?

Roy April 10th, 2013

The Shinners seem to be cribbing non stop about the proposed Criminality legislation, they have asked numerous questions about it in the Dail and today Ferris brought it up in a speech commemorating the anniversary of the Good Friday agreement.
There must be a lot of ex IRA men driving Taxis that are likely to be ousted by the upcoming legislation.
I expect it will be the border counties that will benefit mostly from the reduction in the fleet?
Unless of course as per usual, the legislation will be fudged and the ‘RA men will be allowed continue.

Switching to Days

Roy March 31st, 2013

After 16 years of doing nights, I’m switching to days from Tuesday, I’m giving it three weeks to make the transition, accepting it will take at least that long to get used to it, I reckon it will be tough.
Any tips on handling daytime passengers and on where the work is would be greatly appreciated.

The Fate of Our City Ranks (Dublin)

Roy March 27th, 2013

Listed below are the plans for the relocation and removal of City Centre Taxi Rank to facilitate the new Luas line.

Read it and weep.

O’Connell Street:

There are 2 existing taxi ranks located here, a 4 space 8pm–6am rank on O’Connell Bridge, and a 19 space full time rank on O’Connell Street Upper.
Both ranks will need to be removed to facilitate the construction and operation of the new Luas line.
To mitigate the impacts of this proposal, a new 5 space rank is proposed on Cathal Brugha Street and an 8 space extension of the Cathedral Street rank is facilitated by the opening of access to the street from Marlborough Street.

College Green/Westmoreland street:

Existing taxi ranks in this area are located on College Green and Westmoreland Street. The College Green rank is located on the central median to the west of the alignment and will not be impacted by the construction works. The Westmoreland Street rank (4 Spaces) will be relocated to the southern side of College Street.

Grafton Street:

There is an existing taxi rank on Grafton Street (lower) with 3 full time spaces and 3 night time (8pm–6am) spaces. This taxi rank will be removed to facilitate the construction and operation of the new Luas line. Northbound taxis will be unable to use Nassau Street west of Dawson Street during the construction period. A diversion route from St. Stephen’s Green East will be made available via Merrion Row, Merrion Street, Merrion Square West, Clare Street, Lincoln Place, Westland Row and Pearse Street.

Dawson Street:

There are 2 existing taxi ranks on Dawson Street; a 4 space full time rank north of the Moleworth Street junction and an 11 space 8pm–6am rank to the south of the junction. It is proposed to relocate the full time rank to the northern side of Molesworth Street (west end). The 8pm–6am rank will be removed during construction although 7 such spaces will be provided on Anne Street South at the location of the existing 7am–7pm loading bay and pay and display.

St Stephens Green:

There is a 24 space taxi rank on St. Stephen’s Green North, west of the Dawson Street junction. It will be necessary to remove this rank to facilitate the construction and operation of the new Luas Line. An alternative location on St. Stephen’s Green West (north of the St. Stephen’s Green South junction) has been identified where 13 spaces can be provided in place of existing pay and display parking.

Meeting with Minister Kelly

Roy March 21st, 2013

Myself and John Mc Grath (John M from the forum) had a meeting this morning with Minister Alan Kelly and his special advisor, James Mc Grath from 10:45 until 12am, we would like both to thank the minister and his advisor for being so generous with their time.

Here are the topics covered and myself and Johns minutes of the meeting:

With regard to the regulation whereby “the authority may attach a condition to the licence restricting the number of hours that, or the times when, the person may drive a Taxi after having been driving a vehicle or working a specified number of hours while engaged in that other occupation”.
We wondered if this could impact on the hours a Taxi driver who didn’t have another job might be allowed work, the Minister did not envisage such a situation, saying that the section allowed for limits to be applied only to those who had other employment outside of Taxi driving.

With regard to the proposed new Roof Sign;
The Minister said his will definitely go ahead over the next two years, a “digitised” roof sign is necessary to ensure drivers stick to the areas for which they are licensed. This new roof sign should be linked directly to the meter.

Enforcement;
As requested by TTnH, there will be a large increase in the number of enforcers, “we will be sick of seeing them”, this team will continue to be under the auspices of the NTA.

WATs and Accessibility;
WAT owners must provide a service for those requiring accessible Taxis, there will be “knocks on the doors” of those who refuse jobs and fail to provide adequate cover.

Death Transfer;
The section will be further amended, the result will hopefully facilitate those who have existing arrangements to share plates and where the family depend on the Taxi for survival, however it is hoped to deter ambulance chasers.

Corporate Transfer;
Not yet in the Bill, however it will be amended to prohibit the transfer of incorporated plates, while it is proving difficult, it is near completion.

Rural Hacks;
Are on the way in areas where a Taxi service is not adequately provided, there are just some insurance difficulties to overcome, existing Taxi drivers will not be allowed to take up a Rural hack and also rent their Taxi plate, it wil be be one or the other.

Criminality:
Those with certain criminal convictions in any jurisdiction will lose their licence.

After the Bill goes through and the 47 Review proposals are enacted, it is envisaged that the NTA could draw up a long term blue print for the future of the Taxi industry, hopefully allowing Taxi drivers to plan for their future, knowing what lies ahead.

The Minister has recently spent some time in New York and visited the Taxi and Limousine commission there, he commented on how the problems that Taxi drivers have there are identical to the ones he hears from drivers here, he showed us a copy of a proclamation were Taxi drivers were honoured and received a proclamation from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, letting them know how truly appreciated they were by proclaiming March 29, in the City of New York as “Taxi Driver Recognition Day”, he didn’t see why Ireland shouldn’t have one.

Overall it was a very positive meeting we were left convinced the Minister has nothing but the best interests of Taxi drivers and our passengers in mind.

Other areas where no change is envisaged, no clarification required or the bill will remain the same were briefly discussed but not included above.

Oh! One other thing I remember ….. an off the cuff remark that Non National Taxi drivers should be represented on the TAC.

Another afterthought: Those covered by the Good Friday agreement are not exempt from the removal of the serious criminal element from the fleet.

Oh yeah … The opinion voiced was that the fare increase was rejected because drivers were worried that it might cause passengers to stop using the service.

Workin’ for the Man

Roy March 8th, 2013

Sad that it has come to this:

How Demerits (might) Work

Roy March 2nd, 2013

If the new demerit system is operated efficiently and we expect there to be a fair chance of getting caught breaking one if the associated rules, most of us will ensure that we don’t break them.
Without the free for all that currently exists, we will be able to go about our business in a fairer way, only acessing ranks when space is available and picking up elsewhere as we pass by, rather than when standing illegally.
We will be more than pleased to see those who continue to break the associated rules getting caught and eventually, if they don’t desist, getting a ban.
If, as many suggest, there is no active enforcement, nothing will change.
Either way, it is worth a try, why the so called rep bodies are determined to chuck this opportunity in the bin is beyond me, sometimes “leaders” have to take the hard decisions rather than the populist view.
This is one of those times, they should take the new bill and the promise it offers, explain to drivers the potential, instead if the moronic clap trap that currently spews forth from them.

Driver check now available at APP store or Google market

Roy February 27th, 2013

This useful APP to help reassure passengers that their driver is fully licenced and is registered to the Vehicle is now available for mobile devices.
Please inform your passengers about this new facility and encourage them to use it.
Lets help remove rogue renters and unlicensed drivers from our midst.

What is Wrong with Penalty Points (demerits)?

Roy February 26th, 2013

Penalty points (Demerits) are a method of  gradually teaching wrongdoers a lesson.

They have already been proven to be a very effective tool in the promotion of good road behaviour.

Persistent rule breakers have the opportunity to repair their ways, not once not twice, but possibly 3 or 4 times before they are given the slap they deserve.

Currently we have a free for all,  the way Taxis behave on the streets of our towns and cities is atrocious, nobody is without blame.

The industry needs to be brought back into line, order must be restored.

Why do the Rep bodies want to protect persistent rule breakers?

Why do the rep bodies want to retain the free for all, anarchic situation that prevails in the Taxi business?

I cannot understand the Rep Bodies decision to try and stop this small bit of potential progress.

Please! Can someone explain it to me?

Protest Action Suspended

Roy February 25th, 2013

Sense prevailed.

The Rep bodies are going to the Meeting offered to them prior to the strike being called.

Sadly the Minister had to explain to them how a Bill progresses through parliament, the rep bodies seemed to believe it only takes a couple of weeks.

Seriously … we need a little intelligence at the table.

Rep Bodies want to Protect the guilty.

Roy February 21st, 2013

As agreed by all Representative groups Protest Action will take place Thursday 28th February from 7 am to 2 pm.

This is due to the introduction of Penalty Points and the failure of the Minister to engage with Taxi Drivers and Rep Bodies.

This is the first in a series of planned protests. Thank you TTnH.

We have a free for all Dog eat Dog scenario on the strrets of our towns and Cities, the only solution is Enforcement, the Rep Bodies plan to protest against Enforcement.

The Rep bodies are idiots.

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