The new permit system for taxi drivers at Dublin Airport will prevent a “free for all” at airport carparks, operator DAA has claimed.
The Dublin Airport Taxi Permit will allow drivers to collect a pre-booked fare from one of the airport car parks and will co-exist with another €300 permit for taxis that allows pick-ups from ranks at the airport.
FreeNow has warned that the new system will increase waiting times for taxis at the airport.
On Lunchtime Live however, DAA spokesman Graeme McQueen said the “nominal fee” for the permit should not trouble drivers.
“Our bylaws state that no passengers can be picked up by a driver who doesn’t have a taxi permit,” he said.
“It's clearing up this anomaly, it's €10 a year so it’s not a huge change for drivers and no change at all for passengers.
“We’re having to move with the times, we’re having to make sure the operation of the airport remains in line with the airport bylaws - but also that it fits the needs of passengers and drivers going forward.”
Dynamics
Mr McQueen said taxi companies like FreeNow and Uber have changed the dynamics of pickups from Dublin Airport.
“These taxi companies that have popped up over the last ten years have changed the way taxis work,” he said.
“We need to have an orderly system in place to deal with that.
“The other side would be you’d end up with some sort of free-for-all and we wouldn’t be able to manage the number of wheelchair-accessible taxis and stuff like that.”
Bigger problems
Taxi driver Aaron said there are bigger problems than permits for taxi drivers at Dublin Airport.
“The whole system in the airport is an absolute joke,” he said.
“I came back from my summer holidays with my family and two young kids twice last year – you’re waiting the guts of an hour for a taxi.
“Why can’t they just open it for all taxi drivers? A lot of them won’t like the sound of it because some specifically work the airport permit.
“I think it’s just not fair on the general public and all the businesspeople coming over here as well.”
Aaron added that the current setup for taxis at the airport is “not sustainable or viable” in the long run.
Research conducted by FreeNow found that 83% of drivers are likely to avoid picking up passengers at Dublin Airport as a result of the new permit.
Main image: Airport Police vehicles outside Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport in June 2023. Image: Piere Bonbon / Alamy Stock Photo
