The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today published its Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) bulletin for 2024, reporting that 20,564 active SPSV licenses were in operation at the end of 2024, marking the highest increase in the fleet in the last ten years.
Post-Pandemic Recovery Continues
This continues the upward trajectory of steady and encouraging yearly growth since the COVID-19 pandemic. This recovery has been aided by significant numbers of new entrants to the industry.
Record Number of New Drivers
In 2024, An Garda Síochána issued 2,087 new SPSV driver licences – the highest number recorded in the last decade and bringing the national total to 27,643 active licenses, surpassing pre-COVID numbers recorded in 2019. This growth marks a steady upward trend since 2022, with the most significant increases seen in Dublin, alongside rises across 17 other counties.
Vehicle Licences on the Rise
Additionally, a total of 1,199 new vehicle licences were granted last year by NTA, the second-highest figure in the last ten years.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) Exceed Government Target
NTA also continues to invest in the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme.
- It helped fund 438 new or replacement WAVs in 2024, a 6.6% increase on 2023.
- In addition to this growth, 346 WAVs were added to the fleet without grant support, demonstrating a strong and independent interest in this sector.
- One that is best reflected in a major milestone achieved in 2024,
the total WAV fleet reached 4,213, surpassing the Government’s 25% growth target a full year ahead of schedule.
Sustainability Milestones Achieved
Significant progress was also seen in fleet sustainability, with a 33% growth on the year prior in the number of fully electric vehicles joining the fleet, with the eSPSV grant scheme experiencing its highest uptake since its inception, issuing 753 grants in 2024.
These developments continuing to support the Department of Transport’s National Sustainable Mobility Policy and reflect its growing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the SPSV industry.
The SPSV industry is evolving to meet the ongoing needs of its passengers
Speaking on the publication, Kevin O’Brien, Head of Transport Regulation of NTA, welcomed the findings:
“The growth seen in the SPSV sector over the past year reflects the continuing adaptability of the industry as well as its commitment to progress. With more drivers entering the profession and more wheelchair accessible and electric vehicles making up the current fleet than ever before, the SPSV industry is evolving to meet the ongoing needs of its passengers and to play its part in Ireland’s sustainable transport future.”
Further information
Learn more about Taxi/SPSV – @ National Transport Authority
Small Public Service Vehicles
Small Public Service Vehicles are taxis, hackneys and limousines. NTA is currently accepting applications for wheelchair accessible taxi, wheelchair accessible hackney, local area hackney and limousine licences
Two licences are required to operate in the Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) industry – an SPSV driver licence which is issued by An Garda Síochána and an SPSV (vehicle) licence issued by NTA.
Find out more At SPSV Forms and Guides about The SPSV Grant Schemes application portal, Frequently Asked Questions, Information Guides and Terms and Conditions.