The National Transport Authority (NTA) has published its Regulatory Action Plan for 2026-2028 for the Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) sector. Following engagement with the SPSV Advisory Committee, the plan is now available to all stakeholders.
About the SPSV sector
The SPSV sector in Ireland is a private, commercial market that includes hackneys, taxis and limousines operating in response to passenger demand. Dispatch operators, both traditional and app-based, play an increasingly important role in connecting passengers with services.
The NTA is the independent statutory regulator of the SPSV sector under a range of legislation, including the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. It uses a range of regulatory tools to ensure the framework meets current needs and continues to evolve, with a strong focus on passenger safety and service quality.
Key priorities for 2026-2028
Over the period 2026-2028, the NTA will bring forward new rules across a number of areas, including:
- dispatch operators
- advertising on vehicles and online
- wheelchair-accessible service levels
- environmental standards
All new regulations introduced by the NTA are subject to public consultation. This approach has already been applied to several initiatives, including the 2025 consultation on the Local Area Hackney Scheme, with new rules coming into force on 1 April 2026.
The NTA is also preparing a broader review of the regulatory framework for dispatch operators. As part of this process, a call for inputs was held in early 2026, receiving over 500 responses. A public consultation on specific proposals is planned for later in 2026.
Licensing, enforcement and compliance
The NTA, at an operational level, provides licensing, enforcement and compliance functions. The regulatory plan includes a range of measures to improve vehicle licensing, including plans to introduce new online services to support drivers. The NTA also intends to strengthen its enforcement processes. Increasing public awareness of regulatory standards is a priority, helping to ensure SPSV services remain safe and suitable for passengers. As part of this, the NTA will increase the visibility of enforcement activity and explore greater use of technology.