NOT IMPRESSED.. Eamonn Garrity from local taxi firm Star Taxis is unhappy at the proposed taxi reform.
CHANGES to the way taxis are operated in the North could spell bad news for Fermanagh taxi users.
The taxi reform bill is expected to see the introduction of a number of new laws for taxi companies – including the adaptation of a meter for all taxis.
The meter issue appears to hold the highest bone of contention for both companies and users here – with Fermanagh taxis traditionally operating without a meter.
The addition of a meter means that there will be a set fare for a taxi, which will increase based on the time of journey.
Taxi companies in the county generally operate with a set cost for distance.
Owner of Star Taxis in Enniskillen, Eamonn Garrity, said that there’s been a mixed response from taxi companies here.
He said that it is difficult to assess what the impact will be – but was fearful that increased prices could see a decrease in those using his service.
The changes are set to come into play in around 12 months time.
“At the minute some people use taxis at their leisure – but they’ll be thinking a lot more before they order a taxi. I think people are going to be using taxis less,” Eamonn said.
“Every run will be affected. With the meter you could be sitting in traffic and this town can get quite congested – while your meter is still going.
“Someone getting a taxi in the morning from Silverhill Manor (around three miles from town centre) into town, when you come to Portora gates you could be sitting there in traffic for ten minutes before you get to the Brook. There’s 10 minutes that you’d have to pay the driver for just sitting in it.
“The like of that could go up to £6 – nearly double the price.”
The department responsible for the changes, the Department of the Environment (DOE), has outlined changes in the form of: A specific taxi driver test for new taxi drivers only; People being able to hail all taxis in the street, black or otherwise; Powers of Seizure against illegal taxis; A new specification for Wheelchair Accessible Taxis which will ensure that users with disabilities will be better served by the taxi industry; Periodic training for all taxi drivers; All taxis to have taximeters and printers and adhere to maximum fare regulations.
Eamonn said that taxi companies here are unsure of the impact it will have on their business.
“They are annoyed. It’s mixed because they don’t know what impact it’s going to have. You don’t know what’s going to happen until these changes come into place, whether people are going to use the taxis or not.
“The ordinary person, it’s going to be costing them in their pocket.”
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