Number of taxi drivers reaches 10-year high

By Cate McCurry, Press Association

The number of taxi drivers in Ireland has surged to its highest level in a decade, new research shows.

Some 1,893 new driver licences were issued last year, bringing the total number of drivers to 27,891.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) published a snapshot of Ireland’s taxi sector, which shows an increasing number of licensed drivers, wheelchair accessible vehicles and electric vehicles operating nationwide.

The taxi, hackney and limousine sector continues to make significant progress, with record levels of driver participation, fleet wheelchair accessibility and electric vehicle adoption

The survey also revealed that newer drivers are more likely to work peak weekend hours, which the NTA said helps to serve Ireland’s night-time economy.

Passengers continue to describe high levels of safety when using taxi services, with 97 per cent of passengers reporting that they feel safe while waiting at a taxi rank and 89% while hailing a taxi on the street.

The research also highlights significant progress in the transition to a more sustainable fleet.

At the end of 2025, there were 3,306 fully electric SPSVs in operation, a 25% increase on the previous year.

Drivers reported average savings of 95 euro per week in running costs when using an electric vehicle.

Consumer survey findings also revealed that taxi availability is improving.

Overall, 76% of consumers said it was easy to get a taxi on their most recent journey, while the number of respondents who described the experience as “very easy” increased to 34%.

The NTA Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme continues to support the growth of an accessible fleet with 519 grants issued in 2025.

At the end of 2025 the fleet included 4,781 wheelchair accessible vehicles, the highest number ever, comprising of 23% of the total SPSV fleet and 26% of the taxi and hackney fleet, representing the highest number on record.

Kevin O’Brien, director of transport regulation at the NTA said: “The taxi, hackney and limousine sector continues to make significant progress, with record levels of driver participation, fleet wheelchair accessibility and electric vehicle adoption.

“It is encouraging to see improving taxi availability and high levels of passenger confidence.

“The NTA is focused on supporting a modern, safe and accessible SPSV sector for all passengers through effective regulation, appropriate enforcement and ongoing engagement with all stakeholders.”