The National Transport Authority received more than 900 complaints about taxis last year. 

According to figures released to the Irish Times under a Freedom of Information request, taxi driver behaviour accounted for more than half of the complaints with some customers saying they felt frightened by a driver.

In one case, a hotel worker said that a taxi driver told her to f-off on several occasions, and threatened that he would “see me on Monday night when I am alone”.

As a result of the complaint made to the NTA, the driver was issued with a reminder of his duties and responsibilities.

Fares were the second most frequent reason for complaints while smelly taxis, cabs covered in hair and a car missing part of its boot were also reported. 

Speaking to Today FM, president of the Irish Taxi Federation Joe Heron defended the drivers and says they don’t always have it easy with passengers:

“They often have problems getting paid from passengers, not just because they get out and run away but that unfortunately happens occasionally but also a straight refusal to pay,” said Mr Heron.

“The taxi driver doesn’t have the same kind of situation where he can complain about it and get satisfaction in the way that a passenger can complain”.