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Passengers and drivers now required to wear a face mask in taxis

Face masks are now compulsory in taxis, after a new regulation was signed into law. The move is d...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

18.53 7 Dec 2020


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Passengers and drivers now req...

Passengers and drivers now required to wear a face mask in taxis

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

18.53 7 Dec 2020


Share this article


Face masks are now compulsory in taxis, after a new regulation was signed into law.

The move is designed to protect both drivers and passengers.

The new law was signed by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly today.

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It brings taxis in line with other forms of public transport, such as buses and trains.

Drivers will be allowed refuse to carry a passenger if they're not wearing a face covering, or end a journey if a passenger takes their mask off.

However, they will not be required to wear a mask when they're alone in their vehicle.

Wendy Thompson from the National Transport Authority says it will offer an extra level of protection to everyone.

She said: "Drivers were always able to refuse passengers who weren't wearing face masks, but this puts it on a slightly different footing along with all public transport."

"It really puts both the driver and passengers at ease.

"When you're looking at an individual-type transport like this, with contact tracing so easy... that's something that's very helpful indeed."

Meanwhile, the NTA also says bus and train services will be increased in the lead-up to Christmas - with a particular focus on extra services during the evening.

It comes amid the reopening of retail and restaurants, with some businesses to have later opening hours over the coming weeks.

Irish Rail is also encouraging passengers to pre-book their journeys if they're planning to travel over the Christmas period.

Main image: File photo. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

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