On 19 January, the Government designated a once-off public holiday for Friday 18 March 2022 in recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This public holiday is not included in the current taximeter fares programmes. To add this day to the programmes would be impossible on both practical and cost grounds. It would cost more to operators than could be achieved in extra fares on the day.
So, we will place notices in nationwide newspapers and on our websites advising the public that taxi drivers are permitted to charge the Premium Rate which applies all day in relation to standard public holidays. This will cover the 12 hours (08.00 to 20.00) on Friday 18 March which does not attract the Premium Rate on the taximeter. Information on the TFI Taxi Fare Estimator will be included in those media notices to assist all intending passengers in assessing their fare prior to travel. NTA will also provide operators with a “ready reckoner” for print shortly.
To avoid misunderstandings and to be fair to all, it is important that you explain the Premium Rate uplift to your passengers before starting any journeys.
An Garda Síochána, together with the Advisory Committee on SPSVs, Legal Metrology Services and the Department of Transport have been advised. All queries/complaints received regarding fares for journeys taken on 18 March 2022 will take this into account.
The Government also announced a new permanent bank holiday in February starting from 2023. This permanent public holiday will be included in future maximum fare orders automatically.