The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today launched three public consultations on proposed reforms designed to strengthen consumer protections, improve transparency and support the transition to a lower emission Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) sector.
Strengthening consumer protections
The consultations are seeking feedback on the regulation of dispatch operators, vehicle signage and advertising requirements, and measures to support the ongoing decarbonisation of the SPSV fleet.
These consultations form part of the commitments set out in the SPSV Regulatory Action Plan 2026–2028, which aims to modernise the regulatory framework for the taxi, hackney and limousine sector in a rapidly evolving market.
Regulation of dispatch operators
The first consultation proposes updates to the regulation of dispatch operators, including app-based booking services, traditional dispatch centres and hybrid operators. Proposed measures include enhanced consumer complaints procedures, greater transparency around fares and charges for passengers and drivers and strengthened licensing requirements.
Vehicle signage and advertising
The second consultation focuses on improving passenger confidence by making it easier to identify licensed SPSV services. Proposals include clearer rules on vehicle signage and a requirement for SPSV advertisements to display a valid NTA licence number.
Decarbonising the SPSV fleet
The third consultation proposes measures to support the ongoing decarbonisation of the SPSV fleet. Building on significant growth in electric vehicle adoption across the fleet, the proposals include changes to licensing arrangements and vehicle replacement frameworks.
Focus on passengers and the future of the sector
Commenting on the launch of the public consultations, Kevin O’Brien, Director of Transport Regulation, NTA, said:
“The SPSV sector plays an important role in Ireland’s public transport network and in the daily lives of passengers across the country. These consultations represent the next step in delivering the commitments set out in our SPSV Regulatory Action Plan and ensuring the regulatory framework continues to evolve alongside consumer expectations, technological developments and environmental objectives.”
“The proposals are centred on the needs of passengers. They are designed to improve transparency, strengthen consumer protections, support fair competition and help ensure SPSV services remain safe, accessible, reliable and sustainable into the future. These proposals will also bring greater certainty to drivers, dispatch operators and other market players. We encourage all interested stakeholders to take part in the consultation process and help shape these important reforms.”
Consultation timelines
The consultations on vehicle signage requirements and decarbonisation measures will remain open until 4 December 2026. The consultation on dispatch operator regulation will remain open until 18 December 2026.
The NTA welcomes feedback from passengers, drivers, dispatch operators, representative organisations, accessibility groups, consumer organisations and members of the public.
How to submit feedback
To view the consultation documents and to submit feedback, please visit: Home | National Transport Authority Consultation Portal
Additional infomration
- Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSV) are taxis, hackneys and limousines.
- The NTA published its Regulatory Action Plan for 2026-2028 for the Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) sector in June 2026.
- The SPSV Regulatory Action Plan 2026-2028 is available at: Regulatory Action Plan 2026-2028 (SPSV Sector) – National Transport
- In 2025, there were 3,306 fully electric vehicles licensed in the SPSV fleet, representing a 25% increase on 2024.
- SPSV Bulletin 2025 and Taxi consumer survey report – National Transport